Locked Out of the Frame: The Commercial Lockout and Its Impact on Black & Racialized Performers (ACTRA Panel)

Co-presented by

For more than two years, Canadian performers have been locked out of commercial work following the breakdown of negotiations around the National Commercial Agreement (NCA). While the dispute affects all performers, Black and racialized artists have been disproportionately impacted due to existing systemic barriers, limited access to opportunities, and ongoing economic precarity. This panel explores how the commercial lockout, led by major advertising agencies, has deepened inequities in pay, representation, and power. Panelists will share lived experiences, examine the challenges of fair compensation in the digital era, and discuss why labour justice is fundamentally connected to racial equity in Canada’s screen industries.

MODERATOR:

Asante Tracey - Award-Winning Actor, Action-performer, Voice Actor and Writer Asante Tracey is an award-winning actor, action-performer, voice actor and writer with 10+ years’ experience as a Toronto-based professional actor, having trained with the likes of John Riven in Meisner technique, David Rotenberg at Pro Actors Lab and Joe Towne in Performer’s Mindset. Asante is currently a member of the Faculty of Acting at Seneca Polytechnic- rated top 20 in Canada- an active member of ACTRA, fiercely advocating for performer’s rights, and most recently has launched a coaching enterprise founded upon his signature approach to acting.

SPEAKERS:

Izaak Smith - Canadian Actor

Izaak Smith is an actor with over 40 union film and television credits across Canada. A proud union member, he believes sustainable careers are built through collective effort. An award-winning commercial performer, he received a Special Craft Jury Prize for Performance at the 100th Canadian Marketing Awards.

Adolyn H. Dar - Canadian Screen nominated Actor

Adolyn H. Dar is a turmeric style seasoned actor. He can be seen on stage, on screen or on the spot answering questions from acting to writing, to AI and wellness. He recently directed a dramatic short film (Desi Standard Time Travel) that earned him a Canadian Screen nomination and ACTRA Best Actor nomination. He also won a whole bunch of fancy awards in festivals across the globe for his acting work. Recently, he was nominated in 2025 for his leading work on Allegiance (Canada's most watched 2024) and Potluck Ladies (Seriesfest best new drama).

Jinny Wong - Canadian Actor, On-Camera Coach, Podcast Host

Jinny Wong is a Canadian actor, on-camera coach, and podcast host passionate about empowering fellow artists. Her career spans theatre and screen, with roles on Disney Cruise Line, Netflix, Apple TV+, Paramount+, and Hallmark, alongside campaigns for Shaw, Dr. Oetker, McCafé, and more—blending artistry, advocacy, and purpose-driven storytelling.