Canadian actors reach ad deal

Groups' members will vote on terms

By JENNIE PUNTER

TORONTO -- The Canuck English-language thesps union and two organizations representing Canada advertising agencies have ended nine months of negotiations and reached a deal governing the production of English ads in Canada.

The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists' 21,000 members will vote on the terms over the next few weeks.

Of chief concern to ACTRA was the movement of large-cast commercials offshore in recent years. The deal sees to it that commercial shoots return to Canada, as well as the development and use of new media -- both of which will result in more domestic roles.

Other major elements in the deal include increased rates, accident-on-set insurance, shorter work days and measures to enhance compliance with the pact.