At its online meeting on March 30, 2026, Equity Council approved a series of amendments to the Bylaws regarding the Complaints Process. These updates represent no material changes, but clarify language and adopt more neutral, accessible terminology to better reflect how complaints are addressed.
As part of this work:
- Complaint and Disciplinary Process has been renamed the Complaints Process, removing language that may imply a predetermined outcome
- The Discipline Panel has been renamed the Resolution Panel, reflecting its role in determining an outcome following a complaint
Additional updates have been made throughout the Bylaws and definitions to support a more neutral and consistent approach, and better reflect the intent of the process— to support a fair and respectful resolution for everyone involved.
A track changes version of the amendments is available here.
These changes were made to coincide with the release of an updated Complaints Process Guide, designed to help artists navigate what can be a challenging experience – whether they are participating as a Complainant or Respondent.
The Guide incorporates bylaw amendments introduced last year, including:
- Reinstatement of a one-year deadline to file a complaint
- Introduction of a Council Review Panel as part of the process
- Greater flexibility for a Resolution Panel in how a complaint is investigated or addressed
- Revised grounds for filing a complaint
This Guide is part of Equity's ongoing work to strengthen and modernize its respectful workplace and complaints framework, with a focus on clarity, accessibility, and usability.
Equity thanks the members of the Respectful Workplace Task Force for their valuable contributions to the development of the Guide— Kristen Pepper, Chair, Heather Kitchen, Vice-chair, Deena Aziz, Mariam Bernstein, Jane Heyman, Kevin Klassen, Catriona Léger, Nora McLellan, Alma Sarai, Allan Teichman, and Ingrid Turk.
For more information, please contact communications@caea.com.
Equity's Council encourages all members to be familiar with the rules that govern membership in our Association. To access Equity's Constitution and Bylaws, please visit www.caea.com or email communications@caea.com for assistance.