Thank you for your interest in joining the Directors Guild of Canada - Ontario. Being a DGC Member means being a part of a community with:

• Collective bargaining power;
• High professional standards;
• Contract protection, premium pay, and fringe benefits; 
• Health & Welfare and Retirement plans;
• Training and professional development programs;
• Lobbying clout; and,
• Marketing missions that bring more work to our industry. 

Becoming a DGC Member

In Ontario, the level of Membership depends on experience. Your application will be evaluated to assess your level of relevant experience gained in 150 days, worked over a minimum of three productions, in a position equivalent to a category represented by the DGC in the District you are applying to.  If you are a rejoining Member, click here.

Types of Membership
There are two different types of DGC Membership and, in Ontario, a Guild Apprenticeship Program (GAP):

Associate Membership:

• All Production Assistant (PA) or Trainee positions specific to each department.
• Associate Members can work in higher job categories and work in other departments.
• Associate Members have access to Health and Welfare Benefits and RRSP.

Full Membership:

• Everything above a Production Assistant, Trainee, or Fourth Assistant Director.
• In addition to what Associate Membership entails, Full Members have voting rights and can run for and hold elected positions on the Executive Board.

Guild Apprenticeship:

• Prospective applicants who do not have the qualifications for Associate or Full Membership can apply to the Guild Apprenticeship Program (GAP) and work towards Membership through a 12-18 month Apprenticeship. 

For more information about the Guild Apprenticeship Program, please visit the Apprenticeship page.

How To Apply for Membership

1. Download the National Application Form here.

2. Determine if your industry experience is in a category represented by DGC Ontario. Review what positions are covered in the Ontario District here.

3. Review Appendix A for a list of the mandatory courses and certificates required for Ontario Membership. 

4. Fill out the Individual RRSP form and NRSP form (both must be completed and included with the application). Membership includes becoming part of a group retirement savings plan.  

If you are incorporated, you must also complete the NRSP Corporation form. For details and information on filling these forms out correctly, please review this package from CEIRP. These forms must include the original pen and paper signature and either be mailed or dropped off at the DGC Ontario office.

For more information on the Canadian Entertainment Industry Retirement Plan (CEIRP), please check out the following links:

 Information Booklet   | How to Enroll | Frequently Asked Questions

For further details, you can visit the CEIRP website.

5. Complete and send a digital copy of the DGC Health & Welfare Trust Beneficiary Form for Life Insurance with your application and mail or drop off the original form to the DGC Ontario office. This form must include the original pen and paper signature.

Membership Fees

6. Pay your Membership fee and annual dues (payment methods provided upon application approval):

 Associate Member

• The fee to join as an Associate Member (Trainee/PA/4AD) is $500.00  + one installment of quarterly dues ($112.50).
• Therefore, the total due with your application is $612.50 ($500.00 fee + $112.50 dues).
• When you upgrade from an Associate Member to Full Member status, you will be required to pay a one-time upgrade fee of  $500.00. 

Full Member

• The fee to join as a Full Member (APM, APE, 2SE, 3AD, ALM, 3AA, 2AR or a higher job category) is $1,500.00 + one installment of quarterly dues ($187.50).
• Therefore, the total due with your application is $1,687.50 ($1,500.00 fee + $187.50 dues).

7. Once your application is approved, your payment options are:

• Online through your online banking system, by adding the Directors Guild of Canada as a payee. You will be asked for a Membership number, which can be requested by emailing membership@dgcontario.ca.
• Credit card (Visa or MasterCard) by completing the authorization form and emailing it to membership@dgcontario.ca. 
• In-person: Debit, credit, cash (exact change) or cheque issued to “Directors Guild of Canada.”
• By mail: Please send a cheque to the Directors Guild of Canada

Attention: Member Services Department 

65 Heward Avenue, Building A, Suite A201 

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

M4M 2T5

Note: Applications must be submitted with all the additional paperwork, including sponsors, verification on days worked, training and certificates, RRSP and NRSP forms, original Life Beneficiary Form and method of payment. Once approved, payment will be processed. 

Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant. If you have any questions about the application process, including fees required with Membership, or if you have any special circumstances that may affect your application, contact Member Services at 416-925-8200 or membership@dgcontario.ca.

For Rejoining Members

You will need to fill out the application form above, including the RRSP forms. If you have not been a Member for more than one calendar year, the training and certificates outlined in Appendix A will also be required. Please contact the DGC Ontario office at 416-925-8200 or e-mail membership@dgcontario.ca if you require more information.

If you would like more information on joining the Directors Guild of Canada in another district other than Ontario, please contact the National Membership Department at 416-925-8200 (Toll-free: 1-888-972-0098, Toll-free French language: 1-855-904-1880) or email membership@dgc.ca.