Eight IATSE locals have made contributions to the Actors’ Fund of Canada, capping a successful 2008 for the Fund, which is the lifeline of the entertainment industry in Canada. The Fund provides emergency financial aid to performers and crew members in film, television, theatre, music and dance. The participating locals include Motion Picture Studio Production Technicians Locals 514 (Province of Quebec), 849 (Atlantic Canada), and 873 (Toronto). Other locals contributing to the total included Hamilton-Brantford Stage Local 129, Ontario Projectionists Local 173, Projectionists and Front of House Local 262 (Montreal), Theatrical Wardrobe, Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Local 822 (Toronto), and Eastern Canada Camera and Unit Publicists Local 667.

Since it was founded in 1958, the Canadian Fund has helped over 10,000 entertainment industry workers recover from illness, injury or other circumstances causing severe economic and personal hardship. The Fund receives no government financial support and is wholly sustained by contributions from individuals and entertainment industry organizations.