Equity Government

Equity is a representative democracy, governed by its own Constitution and By-laws. It is more than a trade union; it is the members' collective voice for the future direction of their industry.

The National Council is Equity's policy-making and governing body. It is comprised of eight Officers and 75 Councillors who reside within Equity's three geographic regions. Significant policy issues and major topics of concern or controversy are debated at scheduled special orders of business. The Council defines the authority and duties and oversees the actions of the three Regional Boards and many committees.

In accordance with a 1992 membership referendum, the Constitution was radically altered in order to establish a new governance structure for Equity. This proposal, commonly referred to as the National Representation Plan, effected a substantial decentralization of the Council that guaranteed proportional representation of members residing in geographical regions. This system also gives each geographic region more authority in dealing directly with theatres operating in the region, including the right to grant concessions to contractual agreements, as necessary.