The Professional Association of Canadian Talent and its affiliate the Canadian Media Guild have filed an application to the Canadian Artist and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal in Ottawa to recognize PACT/CMG as the bargaining agent for background performers in Canada.

In early February, actra, which has traditionally had jurisdiction over such performers, said it would do everything in its power to offset pact’s efforts.

Jurisdiction aside, pact president Charlie Fife says actra has never represented extras in any negotiations and has, therefore, abandoned those performers – the argument he will take before the tribunal.

PACT/CMG’s key goal is to improve wages and working conditions for extras in the Canadian film and tv industry.