UBCP/ACTRA and CMPA-BC Reach A New BC Master Animation Agreement

VANCOUVER, February 23, 2026 – The Union of British Columbia Performers/Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (UBCP/ACTRA) and the Canadian Media Producers Association – BC Producers Branch (CMPA-BC) are pleased to announce that they have successfully renegotiated the British Columbia Master Animation Agreement (BCMAA) for a three-year term, effective March 20, 2026.

The newly ratified agreement demonstrates the parties’ shared commitment to increasing work opportunities for the animation sector in British Columbia during a period of global competition and uncertainty. Through a new Limited New Media Pilot Project, the parties aim to build and maintain audiences through short-form animation projects intended for exhibition on video-sharing platforms or on brand websites and apps.

The agreement also includes vital protections for Performers and the use of Artificial Intelligence, improved language governing Self-Tape Auditions, and yearly pay increases of 5 per cent in year one, 4 per cent in year two, and 3.5 per cent in year three.

President and Co-Chair of the UBCP/ACTRA Bargaining Committee, Keith Martin Gordey commented, “I’m proud of the inimitable spirit of the UBCP/ACTRA bargaining committee co-chaired by Brian Doe Chua evidenced in this agreement – their hard work and resourcefulness have resulted in an innovative agreement protecting Animation Performers while creating a space for new opportunities.”

UBCP/ACTRA Director of Contracts, Lesley Brady, added, “This newly ratified BCMAA represents significant progress for our industry, delivering meaningful protections and gains for Performers, while also adapting to changes in the marketplace.”

CMPA-BC's Managing Vice-President, Jason Lee stated, “The new agreement is a collaborative step forward for the animation industry in British Columbia, addressing performers’ concerns and innovating to meet new market conditions for animated content production.”

About CMPA-BC

The Canadian Media Producers Association is Canada’s trade association for independent producers representing companies engaged in the development, production and distribution of English-language content for TV, feature film and digital media channels.

CMPA-BC represents over 160 independent production companies based in British Columbia.

About UBCP/ACTRA

UBCP/ACTRA is an autonomous branch of ACTRA, the national union representing over 30,000 professional performers working in recorded media across Canada.

UBCP/ACTRA represents more than 8,500 performers in British Columbia. The union works to protect and advance the rights, working conditions, and professional opportunities of its members.