Heated waters may reach the boiling point at 21,000 member-strong ACTRA. Negotiations with the two associations representing the country’s ad agencies and advertisers – Institute of Communications Agencies (ICA) and the Association of Canadian Advertisers (ACA)- over the agreement governing commercial rates and terms has ACTRA’s bargaining team seeking a strike mandate from its members next Thursday.

The decision comes after 17 months of negotiations culminated to a deadlock in July, resulting in a joint request for the involvement of government conciliators. The parties are expected to meet again Sept. 25, with them on board before returning to the ballot on Oct. 14.