Radio Artists was formed in order to establish better working conditions and wages for radio performers. Writers joined in on this organization, and over the next decade the organization transformed into the Association of Canadian Television and Radio Artists. By 1984 the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) was formed to better include the other areas of the broadcasting industry. From this organization, other Guilds formed and matured. Most notably the ACTRA Performer's Guild, Writers Guild of Canada, and ACTRA Media Guild. In 1993 The Writers Guild of Canada left ACTRA and became an independent union. The Writers Guild of Canada, however, is different from the traditional union. There is no central workplace in the writing industry, and members are not employees, they are independent contractors. This creates legal complications as Provincial labour legislation states that only employees, not independent contractors (with exception of construction workers), can bargain as a collective. This means that WGC members are bound to very tight restrictions in order to protect their rights and their work. Governance Two bodies govern the Guild jointly: a seven-member council and a fifteen-member national forum. Both the council and the national forum are made up of elected Guild members. These members are elected from Canada's five regions (Atlantic, Quebec, Central, Western and Pacific). Terms last for two years. The council oversees activities and sets Guild policies, while the national forum meets annually with the council and the executive staff to add their input. The Guild's executive staff is in charge of managing the Guild's day-to-day operations. The Executive director of the Guild is Maureen Parker. Council Members: President: Jill Golick (Central Region) Vice-President: Andrew Wreggitt (Western Region) Treasurer: Mark Ellis (Central Region) Councillors: Michael Amo (Atlantic Region), Denis McGrath (Central Region), Anne-Marie Perrotta (Quebec Region), Dennis Heaton (Pacific Region) Membership You are qualified to join the WGC if you: Are within the WGC's jurisdiction Have one writing contract Are with a producer who is 'signatory' to one of the WGC's agreements. Membership fees are dependent on when you join: Before July 1: $500 ($350 initiation fee + $150 basic fee) After July 1: $425 ($350 initiation fee + $75 basic fee) To remain a member you must pay the $150 annual fee. Benefits of Membership: Fair Pay: The WGC ensures that screenwriters are paid fairly through administration, and enforcement, of collective agreements. In addition, the WGC