There are 17 candidates running for 11 open spots at the highest decision-making body of the union in Montreal. The successful candidates will form a team that is responsible for safeguarding and advancing the interests of the union in Montreal for the next 2 years.
Alex Gravenstein
Nominated by: Maxime Laferriere Seconded by: Maxine Denis I have been volunteering for ACTRA for almost a decade on committees like YEAA and Casting Standards. Why? Well, I of course love the community and the craft, but the main reason I’ve been doing this volunteer work is because of the potential for us to make this city a primary, go-to hub for performers and productions alike. That’s why you’ve probably seen me running various workshops or assisting with ACTRA events.
Having just completed my first two years as a council alternate, I witnessed some pretty amazing strides despite the political climate. But with the ever-evolving challenges ahead we gotta keep pushing forward and fighting for our position.
I would like to be on council again to be part of these large industry discussions so we can find more ways for the community to be engaged and to grow together.
Claudia Tiseo
Nominated by: Nadia Catino Seconded by: Jean Pierre Lalonde I am an ACTRA member since 2015 a UDA member a graduate of Concordia University’s Theatre Performance ’09 program. My journey as a performer has shown me the power of storytelling to connect, empower, and inspire change. As an Italian-Latina artist, I am committed to amplifying diverse voices and creating meaningful opportunities for performers from all backgrounds. I strive to be a voice for actors with learning disabilities and an advocate against bullying, ensuring every set is safe, inclusive, and respectful. If elected to ACTRA Montreal Council, I will champion diversity, accessibility, and equity within our community, helping every performer feel seen, supported, and empowered. Together, we can build a vibrant, creative industry where every voice is celebrated and every story has the chance to shine.
Eleanor Noble
Nominated by: Simon Peacock Seconded by: Tristan D. Lalla I am proud to be serving as an ACTRA Montreal Councillor and as your National President, representing 30,000 members strong across the country. Your vote will allow me to continue building a prosperous, strong and united ACTRA. Locally, I will continue to highlight the incredible diversity and talent of Montreal, promoting Montreal as a great city to create and produce work for us in film, series, video games, commercials and dubbing. Nationally, I will continue lobbying the government for AI protections to safeguard our livelihood and protect our industry from tariffs. I’m proud to have led negotiations in achieving an historic IPA Collective Agreement, protecting union commercial work, strengthening our video game agreements, and the addition of Montreal Dubbing Voice Directors. I commit to pushing the industry to create a Canadian Star System. It’s Canada’s time to shine on the global stage.
Holly Gauthier-Frankel
Nominated by: Felicia Shulman Seconded by: Bill Rowat Esteemed fellow members, I’ve been an ACTRA member since 1989, and have proudly served on the Montreal council from 2004 to 2016, and again for these last two years. I’m putting myself forward to represent our membership once again, as our industry is in an unparalleled state of flux. I hope to use my knowledge and experience to continue to fight for members’ rights. I bring team spirit, forthright communication, a willingness to listen and learn, and the desire to implement positive change in the industry. I believe I can be most useful in the realms of professional development for dubbing, and on the Women’s Committee where I currently serve as Chair; however, I will always step in wherever else the team might find my contributions helpful. I hope you’ll consider me a worthy candidate to keep fighting for your rights and your safety as a performing artist. Thank you.
Jen Viens
Nominated by: Alex Gravenstein Seconded by: Julian Stamboulieh I’ve had the privilege of serving as a council member for the past several years, including the last two years as Vice President. I’ve fought hard for equity, representation, and anti-exclusionary practices for our membership. I believe in our performers and their needs and rights, and I am committed to continuing this fight.
Julian Stamboulieh
Nominated by: Scott Humphrey Seconded by: Elizabeth Neale As part of your council over the past several years, I have had the pleasure of chairing the YEAA committee and furthering our initiatives. Heading the relaunch of the film festival, creating community events, offering subsidized workshops; I’m very proud of what our committee has put together, and the engagement its members champion.
While continuing the tradition of visiting theatre schools around the city, I’ve started ACTRA’s first outreach efforts to the film schools, speaking to Trebas and Concordia to educate emerging filmmakers about working union. I hope to further expand that outreach, so that we can look forward to a new generation of Montreal filmmakers championing Montreal union work.
My goals this term are exactly that: to increase awareness and the proliferation of information to filmmakers, media, and our own members, helping to build solidarity.
Karl Graboshas
Nominated by: Tyrone Benskin Seconded by: Dusan Dukic I have had the honor of serving as an alternate member of the council since 2022, sitting on the Professional Development and Casting Standards committees and various other sub-committees. For those of you who have worked with me on projects in the past, who have trusted me as acting coach, or have selftaped with me in my studio, you know that my goal is to help our members sharpen their skills and to help them succeed by assisting them in putting their best work forward. I view my service on the council as an extension of this goal. In the face of A.I and other challenges such as the continued uncertainty around the NCA, with your support, we will continue working to spotlight and strengthen ACTRA Montreal’s diverse and unique talent and to put our members first every step of the way. Thank you for your continued support.
Kathleen Stavert
Nominated by: Patricia Summersett Seconded by: Jennifer Roberts Serving as alternate on the ACTRA Montreal Council since 2019 has been both an honour, and a responsibility I take seriously. During this time, I’ve sat on several committees, I’ve chaired the Women’s Committee for two years and founded the Parental Sub-Committee to support members who are parents. I have great respect for our membership and the work we do in this city, and I’m proud to be part of such a talented and dedicated community.
Moving ahead I want to galvanize my community (that’s you!) to keep fighting the good fight! Let’s keep creating more work opportunities for our members. Let’s truly address the challenges posed by AI, and let’s ensure every member feels supported, valued, and welcome within our union.
We’ve got this, together!
Li Li
Nominated by: Ludinda Davis Seconded by: Jen Viens As your ACTRA Council member, I bring a decade of dedicated leadership to ACTRA Montreal, offering a deep understanding of local challenges. My strategic view is informed by my experience working with both ACTRA Montreal and National, while my work on the latest IPA Bargaining Committee is critical for effective, informed decisions in the next term.
My platform focuses on three pillars for members:
Equity & Diversity: Champion marginalized performers and push for policies that ensure our contracts and sets truly reflect Montreal’s rich diversity.
The Next Generation: Prioritize advocacy for young and child performers, fighting for specialized protections and safe working conditions.
Enforcement: Pushing for enforcement of the new IPA—including urgent AI safeguards for your rights.
My experience is your advantage. I am ready to continue the fight for a stronger, more equitable ACTRA Montreal. I humbly ask for your vote.
Lucinda Davis
Nominated by: Simon Peacock Seconded by: Li Li Having served 2 terms on council, I would be honoured to continue to assist and advocate for ACTRA Montreal Members. Over the years, I have participated on the DEIB committee (where I am currently the chair), the Casting Standards Committee, the Women’s Committee, the Profession Development Committee, the Ubisoft Negotiations panel, and was ACTRA Montreal’s Woman Of The Year in 2017. I am particularly proud to have been part of the Bargaining Committee that achieved a Collective Agreement for the Voice Directors for live action and animated media this year. Thank you for your consideration!
Mariah Inger
Nominated by: Tristan D. Lalla Seconded by: Jen Viens I’m a proud Montrealer, fighting for our rights. I believe the work we do on council is important for our futures as professional performers. I also believe that a voice for the underrepresented, the often ignored, needs to be at the table at all times. That’s where my passion lies and where I put my strengths to work! As a woman of colour, I fight for myself, I fight those behind me, and I fight for all who have felt unseen and unprotected for decades. Let me continue because I am not done! Unfortunately, we are still facing many threats, with AI trying to take our place on the screen, the lack of financial protection from the government, unequal payment structures for the underprivileged…The marginalized are still the most vulnerable and need to be considered at every turn. I’m ready – Put me in, coach!
Oliver Ocampo
Nominated by: Sam Beaton Seconded by: Nathan Bois McDonald I love Montreal, I love this career, I love my peers. To being an actor here is about showing up and really caring. Success isn’t just booking, it’s knowing what actually connects with you and what doesn’t, and using that to grow. Acting is about improving yourself, exploring for yourself, and figuring out how to apply that with others who are doing the same. That kind of energy, being proactive and genuine, spreads through the whole community. I want to help make acting and ACTRA feel accessible, not intimidating, and show that when we take charge of our growth, we lift each other up. I want to lead by example, be honest about what matters, and help Montreal’s actors feel capable, inspired, and ready to rock and roll and work!
Richard Jutras
Nominated by: Felicia Shulman Seconded by: Bill Rowat I have been an ACTRA member since the early 80’s. I have seen this city thrive in the 80’s, 90’s 2000’s. Our membership is going through yet another transition. Our small yet Mighty members must stay strong and united and speak out. I proudly co-chair the Casting Standards Committee and Chair its Sizzle Reel Sub-Committee, a project I’m finally seeing come to fruition. I would like to be your voice and look forward to hearing from you all.
Simon Peacock
Nominated by: Julian Stamboulieh Seconded by: Lucinda Davis For 8 years I have proudly served as President of ACTRA Montreal. With your support I want to continue the fight. We have much work to do to secure the financial stability of this union, to protect our livelihood from the insidious threat of AI, to reclaim more of our commercial work, and to make sure we continue to win gains for all members with our Collective Bargaining. We need to push our Provincial Government into better incentives for projects to shoot here whilst at the same time we must find ways to make and promote our own work. The less dependent we are on others the more resilient we become. Self reliance should be the goal of our industry instead of continuing to thrive or struggle at the whim of US productions.
If re-elected I intend to continue to work with my fellow Councillors to achieve these goals.
Teneisha Collins
Nominated by: Tristan D. Lalla Seconded by: Michaela Di Cesare After a productive second term on Branch Council, I remain dedicated to my “why.” I believe in our collective power to create change and in the importance of understanding our rights as ACTRA members. Within ACTRA, I sit on National Council, continue to advocate for us as a member of the NCA bargaining committee, and co-chair several committees. As YEAA co-chair, I helped launch our Social Media workshop and free monthly audition bootcamp, and through DEIB, spearheaded our AAVE workshop, helping Black performers strengthen authentic accent work and expand opportunities. Externally, I represent ACTRA Montreal at the BCTQ, meeting with major U.S. studios and producers to advocate for Quebec’s film and TV industry. I look forward to continuing the work—fighting for fair, safe, and equitable working conditions, empowering all members to be “booked and busy,” and ensuring we’re informed, supported, and ready to advocate for ourselves—and each other.
Thor Bishopric
Nominated by: Maria Bircher Seconded by: Teale Bishopric ACTRA Montreal has always been a very special branch within our larger union. While we may not have the most members, or the biggest industry, we’ve always had the strongest sense of community. Although technically, we’re a collection of competing contractors, our local membership behaves more like a big, supportive family. It has certainly felt that way to me. My dad was a member, as was my sister. My wife and daughter are members. My dearest friends are members. And as a member myself since 1971, I’ve been honoured to serve the union in the following ways:
• Montreal Councillor for more than 30-years • ACTRA National President (1999-2005) • AFBS Governor for 16 years (Chair-of-the-Board for seven)
Over the years, I’ve witnessed and been a small part of many changes in our industry. With your support, I’ll continue to serve our ACTRA Montreal family as we confront the very serious challenges ahead.
Warren Scherer
Nominated by: Michael Scherer Seconded by: Charlene Francique I’ve been a proud member of ACTRA for nearly fifteen years, building my career as both a stunt performer and actor. Throughout this time, I’ve had the privilege of working on a variety of major projects, such as X-Men: Apocalypse, The Umbrella Academy, Gen V, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. These experiences have not only shaped my professional skills but have also given me unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within our industry. I believe that my background and experiences on set can bring a fresh viewpoint to ACTRA, and I am eager to contribute by learning, listening, and sharing my perspective to help support and strengthen our community.
Thor Bishopric
Click here to read Thor’s statement
Nominated by: Maria Bircher Seconded by: Teale Bishopric ACTRA Montreal has always been a very special branch within our larger union. While we may not have the most members, or the biggest industry, we’ve always had the strongest sense of community. Although technically, we’re a collection of competing contractors, our local membership behaves more like a big, supportive family. It has certainly felt that way to me. My dad was a member, as was my sister. My wife and daughter are members. My dearest friends are members. And as a member myself since 1971, I’ve been honoured to serve the union in the following ways: • Montreal Councillor for almost 30-years • ACTRA National President (1999-2005) • AFBS Governor for 16 years (Chair-of-the-Board for seven) Over the years, I’ve witnessed and been a small part of many changes in our industry. With your support, I’ll continue to serve our ACTRA Montreal family as we confront the very serious challenges ahead.
Eramelinda Boquer
Click here to read Eramelinda’s statement
Nominated By: Al Gravelle Seconded By: Michael Rudder
As a proud long standing ACTRA member, and a 2019 ACTRA Woman of the Year awardee I would like to submit my name for candidature. I deeply care about my acting and artist community and would like to contribute to the important work Montreal ACTRA does including ensuring a strong and sustainable future for all.
Teneisha Collins
Click here to read Teneisha’s statement
Nominated by: Michaela Di Cesare Seconded by: Val Mervis
Following a productive first term on branch council devoting countless hours to support and elevate our membership, I remain dedicated to my “why.” I understand that collectively, we have the power to enact change in our industry. I continuously strive to learn as much as I can about working under ACTRA and our industry because I see the importance in understanding our rights as members. For example, I represent Montreal on the bargaining committee for NCA negotiations, and I co-chair several ACTRA Montreal committees. Under YEAA, I helped spearhead the Social Media workshop and the audition bootcamp. I’m seeking reelection to continue to seek fair, safe, and equitable working conditions for all members, and to help further educate our membership so that we can all advocate for ourselves and each other. I represent all of you, and I look forward to the honour to continuing to serve you.
Lucinda Davis
Click here to read Lucinda’s statement
Davis Nominated by: Simon Peacock Seconded by: Holly Gauthier-Frankel
I am a proud 2022-2024 Branch Council member, and would be most honored for your support to return. Since joining ACTRA in 1998, whenever my union asked me to get involved, I did so most readily, as the strength of the union is only fortified by the dedication of its members. I have participated in the Ubisoft Negotiations Panel, the Honors Committee, am vice-chair of the Casting Standard Committee, stood in solidarity with ACTRA and other unions at the Canadian Labour Conference, and picketed against corporate greed in the face of this heinous lockout. Though times are uncertain, I will continue to be a voice and advocate to protect our artistry and rights to fair wages.
Giving back is an important part of life and ACTRA has always been there for me since I became a member 29 years ago and still counting!! I have been fortunate to have been able to make a career acting and feel being on council would be a good way to give back to our Montreal acting community and the Union that I love. My 2 year goal would be to help deal with the serious problems facing our industry and Union today and make our branch even stronger and more successful going into the future.
I, Richard M. Dumont, a working Montreal actor and Voice-Director, having had the honour to witness ACTRA’s Montreal Branch Council in action over these past two (2) years, wish to continue to be involved with this, the finest, the most hard-working and diligent performer’s union-branch in Canada. These past two years have made me ever-conscious of the concerns and needs of my fellow Montreal members and, with your support, it is my strong desire to address these and other issues and concerns of yours as a member of the ACTRA Montreal Council.
Holly Gauthier-Frankel
Click here to read Holly’s statement
Nominated by: Thor Bishopric Seconded by: Lucinda Davis
Hello esteemed fellow members. I joined ACTRA in 1989, and proudly served on the Montreal council from 2004 to 2016, participating in multitudes of committees. I’m now putting myself forward to be part of the team once again. Our industry is in an unprecedented time of instability and change, and I hope to use my knowledge and experience to continue to fight for members’ rights and to help the membership through these precarious times. I bring team spirit, forthright communication, a willingness to listen and learn, and the desire to implement positive change in the industry. I believe I can be most useful in the realms of professional development for dubbing, in Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, in the upcoming IPA negotiations, and wherever else the team might find my contribution helpful. I do hope you’ll consider me to be a worthy candidate.
Karl Graboshas
Click here to read Karl’s statement
Nominated by: Tyrone Benskin Seconded by: Lucinda Davis
Fellow members, in January of 2022, I joined the council as an alternate member and the last two years have been very informative and inspiring. As many of you know I have been coaching actors for the past 13 years and assisting actors with selftape preparation for nearly ten years now with the goal of helping our Montreal talent put their best foot forward. Joining council has been an extension of my desire to assist and serve our members and our community to the best of my abilities. As a member of the Casting Standards committee, I will continue to advocate for improved audition conditions, namely a more equal balance between selftape and in person auditions, and more manageable selftape requirements and delivery deadlines. Thank you for your confidence.
Alex Gravenstein
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Nominated by: Kenny Wong Seconded by: Jen Viens
Montreal is a hub of extraordinary talent and passionate storytellers. I deeply appreciate ACTRA Montreal’s relentless efforts to showcase us as the passionate creatives we are. During my time serving on various ACTRA committees and partaking in various projects, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the complexities and challenges of our industry. And meeting so many other driven members along the way inspired me to continually push the envelope. I firmly believe that Montreal has unlimited potential to put forth, and I would be honored to take part in joining with that initiative. As a prospective branch council member, I am eager to collaborate with the team to create even greater opportunities to let our talent shine.
Matt Holland
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Nominated by: Glen Bowser Seconded by: Adam LeBlanc
One of the benefits of the return to quasi-normalcy following the restrictions of the past few years has been the opportunity to see members in person again at meetings, in recording studios and on sets. A renewed sense of community and commitment is what inspires me to want to run for Branch Council again. The work we do still feels important, particularly the workshops and seminars I’ve helped organize as chair of the Professional Development Committee. I look forward to continue serving the membership as our industry establishes a new normal that allows actors to get back to work doing what we love. I hope I can count on your support. Thank you.
Mariah Inger
Click here to read Mariah’s statement
Nominated by: Lucinda Davis Seconded by: Tristan D. Lalla
First 20+ years of my career, lack of DEIB representation & opportunities felt overwhelming. I needed to be part of the solution! Hence began a decade long process of making sure people of diverse backgrounds were at the table, so we could heal & find our voice. When I begun under the ACTRA umbrella as Chair of DEIB, COVID hit, taking away most options to make real change. The good news is, much was still accomplished, even with COVID. Panels & workshops…Important conversations were had with executives of this industry resulting in new IPA‘s rules & more change to be implemented in our industry in the years to come, benefiting the Diversity cause. But so much more work to do. I need more time. Time to build and renew our DEIB groups & finish all the projects DEIB members have requested, so they may feel heard and seen. I’m ready to keep fighting! Please let me.
Richard Jutras
Click here to read Richard’s statement
Nominated by: Felicia Shulman Seconded by: Bill Rowat
I have been an ACTRA member for 40 years. I have served on council since 2020 and I strongly feel Now is the time. A time of rejuvenance. I feel the heart beat of Our Montreal membership. I have seen and heard the stories; the good and the despondent and I’ve witnessed the boom and bust here several times over. Right now, so much is changing in our industry, not only here, but All over the world. I am passionate about our craft in every area, be it on a film set or in the recording studio. These next years are crucial for us all and I desire to commit to two more years to be Your voice and to listen. I desire to take action on your behalf and work with other council members to bring more performance possibilities back to our jewel of a city. I Strongly Believe that ACTRA – the Alliance of Canadian Television and Radio Artists should be exactly That. An Alliance.
Kathryn Kirkpatrick
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Nominated by: Karine Dion Seconded by: Richard Jutras
I am a Montreal-er and as such I want to see more of us working here, elsewhere in Canada and anywhere we want to work. I have been part of both the Toronto and Vancouver jurisdictions over my 28 years in the business, and believe I have something to offer council because of it. Je veux prendre l’initiative de m’impliquer activement dans notre Union.
Li Li
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Nominated by: Emilee Veluz Seconded by: Albert Kwan
Dear ACTRA community, thank you for letting me serve you on the Actra council and committees for a bit over ten years now. Our industry experienced many turmoils over the last few years, with some big-picture items on the horizon such as the CRTC, the provincial government, and official languages. For all of you that are hanging in there, standing strong; it has not been easy, I salute you. For the next two years, I hope I can continue to serve our community by being the bridge between ACTRA council, ELAN board (English Language Art Network), and CDCE board (The Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions). Together we stand strong in solidarity.
Eleanor Noble
Click here to read Eleanor’s statement
Nominated by: Tristan D. Lalla Seconded by: Olivia Lepore
It has been an honour to serve on the ACTRA Montreal Council, not only as ACTRA Montreal Vice President but at the National level, as National President, as well. These have been unprecedented but critical times in our industry and for our union. We have been working tirelessly on the important issues facing ACTRA in pursuit of a better and more secure future for all members. We have been achieving this through negotiations, lobbying at the government level and making strong ties with other unions here and around the world. I’d also like to continue highlighting the talent ACTRA Montreal has to offer, and what a great place it is to create and produce work for our members. With your support, I will carry on serving our membership with pride and dedication.
Simon Peacock
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Nominated by: Jennifer Seguin Seconded by: Holly Gauthier-Frankel
I’ve been on Montreal Council for 12 years, National Council for 10 and have been honoured to be Montreal President for the last 6. Those have been some very trying years for our Union and there are more important challenges ahead. We have the ongoing battle over our commercial jurisdiction, the threat of AI, and the renewal of our Film and TV agreements to name just a few. I want to be there to help our Union navigate through these challenges and emerge stronger. All performers have the right to make a living wage but no one is just going to hand it to us. We are going to have to fight for it and I’m ready to lead that fight.
Julian Stamboulieh
Click here to read Julian’s statement
Nominated by: Scott Humphrey Seconded by: Elizabeth Neale
As the co-chair of the YEAA committee for these last two years, I have spearheaded the relaunch of our ACTRA Shorts Film Festival for the first time since 2019, organized the quarterly mixer events to help new members connect with staff & established veterans, and along with co-chair Teneisha Collins, began plans for expanded workshops and panels to bring information and skills to our membership. My goals for this next term include engaging our new members to get involved, as well as leveraging my experience as an independent filmmaker to contact film production schools around the city, educating about and encouraging students towards working with ACTRA (as we already do with theatre schools). Most importantly, without me, no one would be present to continue making silly jokes at council meetings, which would be a travesty for our union.
Kathleen Stavert
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Nominated by: Julie Trépanier Seconded By: Joy Ross-Jones
Sitting as an alternative on the ACTRA Montreal council has allowed me to witness our membership’s passion for better working conditions and your concern for our wellbeing, which is unparalleled in this province. As co-chair of the Women’s committee it has been an honour to help contribute to change and bolstering voices we don’t always hear. There’s still so much I want to do. I want to continue this work and help and I want to listen and I want to continue to serve this amazing membership.
Sylvia Stewart
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Nominated by: Brian Alexander Seconded by: Kevork Igidbashian
I am a former ACTRA Montreal Councilor and Committee Chair of Diversity and Inclusion (2018, 2019) who enjoys being of service to our members. After a few years hiatus from council, I would like to have the opportunity to again participate in the co-creation of ACTRA initiatives and directions. My passion for serving community began with admiring my family members in the nursing, teaching, and preaching professions, and my father, now retired, who worked for the Department of National Defense as a union representative. An ACTRA member since 1998, I wish to be of service to all members, with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the 2024-2026 term.
Nadia Verrucci
Click here to read Nadia’s statement
Nominated by: Richard Jutras Seconded by: Matt Holland
I’ve been acting since I was a teen, but only transitioned into acting as a career when I was in my 30s. To be honest, I found it a bit of a hard road to be taken seriously and to get seen. I’d like to think that I could help represent the people who also feel a bit outside the box, who want to be heard but don’t necessarily have the opportunity, or are worried about speaking up. I want to get a conversation going about ageism and casting pigeonholing, among other things. I think it’s about time that Montreal actors stop being regarded as second class, unable to find work in their own city. I would hope that as a council member I might actually be able to make a difference, and I’m not afraid to speak my mind!
Jen Viens
Click here to read Jen’s statement
Nominated by: Beatrice Warner Seconded by: Simon Pelletier
I’ve had the privilege of sitting on council for several terms now, and I’ve seen some amazing initiatives take shape. Some of these are just at their beginnings, and I’m dedicated to continuing to serve Montreal so that I can see them through. As well, as a queer, non-binary ACTRA member, I think it is important to have someone on council that’s representing the queer community and what’s vital for us.
