ACTRA calls for Ontario to help actors in poverty

Toronto -- Some of Canada's best-known stars of screen and stage want the Ontario government to provide more support to the province's artists.

Members of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists say they want legislation to reduce the number of Ontario artists who are living in poverty.

Colin Mochrie, best known for his roles on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and The Drew Carey Show, says Canadian performers rarely have the privilege to retire.

There are 21,000 ACTRA members in Canada, many of whom live on less than $20,000 per year.

The group wants better protection for child performers, training to help aging actors find new careers, lower taxes on artistic income and affordable housing for older artists. CP