IATSE Local 709

10/20/2026

Let’s make space for informed, compassionate, non-judgmental conversations about substance use.

Join our team members Emily Hill and Hayley Schmalz for Understanding Substance Use, Addiction & Harm Reduction, an introductory workshop exploring substance use and addiction in the entertainment industry.

We'll talk about the spectrum of substance use, the principles of harm reduction, how substance use can show up in our industry, and practical ways to help create safer, more supportive workplaces and creative spaces.

November 5, 2026
1 PM ET | 11 AM PT
Zoom | FREE

Open to anyone interested in learning more. The link to the reply will be provided to everyone who signs up.

This workshop offers general information and practical strategies. It is not a substitute for medical advice or therapy.

🔗 Register here:
https://buff.ly/qKX0ivp

10/13/2026

Members of the Federation’s Executive Council met today with Minister Lloyd Parrott to talk about a wide array of issues, including labour relations, standards, and legislation, worker safety, and pay equity.

We thank the Minister for engaging with our Federation in today’s discussion.

(L-R: Natasha Jeffery, Jessica McCormick, Minister Lloyd Parrott, and Trevor King)

10/13/2026

Congratulation to Caroline Godin, a Local 709 Green Committee member for being chosen for the SPIP program this year. She is 1 of 25 people chosen from across the country. Way to go Caroline!

09/25/2026

Exciting! Congrats to those who worked on the film 🎥

We're thrilled to present Lindsay Lanzillotta's PURGATORY as the Opening Night Feature. ✨

Set in the early 1980s, the film follows thirteen-year-old Beatrice Gravel, whose comfortable world—family, school, and church—fractures when her mother moves out to “self actualize,” leaving Beatrice and her sister with their devastated father. As Beatrice doubles down on a plan to “fix” her family, she barrels through bullies, friendship blowups, a make-out party, and a kleptomaniac babysitter—forcing her to decide who she wants to be when she can’t get what she wants. PURGATORY'S all-star cast includes Abby Elliott (THE BEAR), J.K. Simmons (WHIPLASH), John Reynolds (SEARCH PARTY), Jack Innanen (BIG MISTAKES) and the iconic Mary Walsh.

You'll want to catch this one! Presented with support from Telefilm Canada

Tue Oct 20, 7pm at The Majestic Theatre .johns
🎟️ Tickets are available at https://www.womensfilmfestival.com/sjiwff37/purgatory

09/17/2026

09/12/2026

Sounds about right 😛

09/01/2026

🎥 Bystander Intervention in the Entertainment Workplace
Bullying, harassment and intimidation impacts everyone.
Learn techniques to safely intervene and make a difference in this free 90 minute webinar - October 5th, 2026

"Do you know how to safely intervene if you see a co-worker being bullied or intimidated? Did you know there are different ways to intervene to match your comfort level? In just ninety minutes you can learn about five easily accessible tools and get real life examples to use in any workplace to safely intervene without worrying about retaliation."

Register Here:

Mental health and su***de prevention resources including crisis lines, therapist finders, support for alcohol, drugs and other substance misuse, eating disorders, and dealing with depession, anxiety and more.

08/31/2026

Congrats Jason! Exciting times ahead.

International Representative Jason Vergnano won a competitive election to the board of the Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology (CITT/ICTS) where he will help develop the next generation of live event and theatre production professionals. Congrats!

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Jason Vergnano, représentant international, a remporté une élection très disputée au conseil d'administration de l'Institut canadien des technologies scénographiques (ICTS), où il contribuera à former la prochaine génération de professionnels des événements en direct et de la production théâtrale. Félicitations!