Dear CASC Member,

Last April, CASC membership voted to become a community chapter of Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union. Since then, the CASC executive team has been working with Unifor staff to find the best model through which we can deliver on our ambitious agenda. After months of discussions, we are thrilled to announce that we have officially partnered with Unifor’s longest-running community chapter, the Canadian Freelance Union (CFU).

In this newsletter:

  • Who is CFU
  • Why this partnership matters
  • New benefits available to CASC members

Who Is The CFU

The CFU (Canadian Freelance Union) is a union of freelance workers in the media, communications and information sector who have a connection to Canada and/or the Indigenous Peoples within the boundaries of Canada. They represent some of the best freelance communicators, translators and now comedians in the country as well as those just getting started in their careers.

As a community chapter, the CFU benefits from the experience, skills, and power of Unifor. At the same time, it maintains the independence and flexibility to quickly respond to emerging issues and creatively engage members nationwide.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANADIAN FREELANCE UNION

 

Why This Partnership Matters

Aligning with Unifor and CFU connects you to a broader network of professionals, amplifying our collective voice in advocating for fair treatment and improved working conditions. This collaboration not only provides tangible benefits but also strengthens our community, fostering solidarity and support among Canadian comedians.​

This partnership marks a pivotal step in CASC’s mission to support and empower Canadian comedians. By aligning with Unifor and CFU, we are enhancing our ability to provide you with the resources and representation you deserve.

We are also now part of a union with a history of solidarity, collective action, and fighting for workers’ rights. Together with CFU, CASC will build campaigns that support the needs of the CASC community, such as continuing to lobby the federal government to recognize comedy as an art form and uplifting Canadian talent during economic uncertainty.

The quickly shifting and unpredictable political landscape has left artists across Canada feeling uneasy about our future. But instead of pulling back, this is our moment to come together, get organized and support each other in standing up for workers and Canadian talent.

CFU Perks and Benefits

As members of the CFU, all CASC members will have immediate access to unprecedented benefits and discounts and a national directory where they can create profiles to advertise their services to producers and bookers looking for unionized talent.

  • Some services CASC members now have access to include:
  • Contract advice and grievance support
  • Advocacy and representation
  • Affordable health and dental insurance
  • Home and auto Insurance discounts
  • Commercial liability insurance
  • Union savings program
  • Educational opportunities

See more of what CFU has to offer on their website services page.

Paid Work For CASC Members

As a result of joining Unifor, there has been an increased demand in contracting CASC members to perform at many union events that occur across the country. This awareness came after our President Clifford Myers, Vice-President and founding member Johanne Britton and founder Sandra Battaglini appeared at the Unifor convention last fall.

CASC is working with CFU to grow this pool of potential opportunity for our members by getting the word out to all national unions and provincial labour councils about the opportunity to hire CASC members for their events.

CASC members can create a professional profile on CFU’s public Member Directory through which they can be contracted to perform at union events and conventions.

Bring Your Questions to April’s AGM

Please join us at our upcoming Annual General Meeting, where we will answer questions about the partnership with CFU and celebrate with CFU President Nora Loreto and representatives from Unifor.

When: April 27, 2025 at 3PM EDT
Where: Comedy Bar Danforth — 2800 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON

Virtual Viewing: https://www.facebook.com/events/1198392355004947

JOIN FACEBOOK EVENT HERE

What’s Next?

By partnering with CFU, CASC is on track to be stronger than ever. CFU will now manage our larger operational and administrative functions, but CASC remains our association and will operate as a caucus within CFU.

Now is a great time to get involved! Email info@canadianstandup.ca to join one of the openings on the CASC board or learn about other ways that you can support the work we are doing for comedic artists across the country.