IPA Bargaining Update

The recent departure of Chief Negotiator John Barrack from the CMPA has prompted a restructuring - former counsel Reynolds Mastin is now Chief Negotiator and Chief Legal Officer. Prior to this appointment, CMPA CEO & President Norm Bolen and Reynolds Mastin informed us that IPA bargaining originally scheduled for May 7 to May 9 would not be possible. This was greatly disappointing. We are working with the CMPA and the APFTQ on finding new dates, and will be back at the bargaining table with both associations as soon as possible.

WGC Congratulates CMPA's Reynolds Mastin

The WGC sends its congratulations to the CMPA’s Reynolds Mastin on his appointment as Chief Negotiator and Chief Legal Officer for the producers' association. The WGC has worked with Mr. Mastin on several initiatives at the CRTC, CMF and elsewhere, and we know that he is a strong voice for quality Canadian programming. With this appointment, we look forward to resuming our work together toward a new Writers Independent Production Agreement, and the continuation of our long standing industry partnership.

Trevor Cameron selected for Internship

Our congratulations to Saskatoon's own Trevor Cameron, who was selected for a paid internship on a Bell Media TV series. Trevor participated in the western Canada session of the Bell Media Diverse Screenwriters Program, which began with a week-long intensive workshop in Vancouver in December, and concluded its mentoring phase last month. Participants submitted script materials to a jury, which deliberated before selecting Trevor for the paid internship. We will know soon what series room Trevor will get to be part of and, when we know, we’ll make sure to pass on the news. Congratulations too to all the other participants of the Program - Michael Chen, S.B. Edwards, Allan W. Hopkins, Shannon Masters, Sandy McDougall, Daniel Nammour and Katie Yu - who now have exceptional calling cards to the industry in their script and pitch materials refined through the program. The next western Canada session of the Bell Media Diverse Screenwriters Program will begin with a Call for Applications in early July.

Make Your Vote Count at AFBS AGM

Members are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting of Actra Fraternal Benefit Society (AFBS) on Monday, May 28th, 2012. Those unable to attend are encouraged to name Sugith Varughese, the WGC's representative to AFBS, as their proxy for voting purposes - that way, Sugith can ensure that writers' votes count and their voices are heard at the AFBS AGM. Details about the meeting can be found here.

On that front, it is with our gratitude that we note that Sugith Varughese has agreed to represent writers at AFBS for another two-year term (from May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2014). We appreciate all Sugith does to ensure that writers are represented in decisions taken at AFBS, and it is reassuring to know that he has our backs there. Thank you Sugith.

Make Noise for Radio Drama

On the Playwrights Guild of Canada website is information and testimonials about Radio Drama. Recently, because of cuts to their parliamentary appropriation, CBC decided to cut radio drama completely. As the Playwrights Guild notes, “it is a heartbreaking moment for Canadian culture. Not only is this another blow to our cultural sector but also the death of an art form dedicated to telling Canadian stories in a unique and direct way.” The information on the site encourages readers / listeners to let CBC and the government know what radio drama means to you. Find it here.