Canada Media Fund unveils 2024-2027 EDIA Strategy

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has launched its 2024-2027 EDIA Strategy, titled "All In: Embedding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Audiovisual Industry". This new strategy marks a pivotal step in the CMF’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible audiovisual industry in Canada.

Building on the successes and learnings of the CMF’s 2021-2023 Equity and Inclusion Strategy, "All In" was shaped by internal discussions and integral feedback from hundreds of creators across Canada. The CMF’s 2024-2027 EDIA Strategy continues the CMF's commitment to underrepresented creators and Equity-Deserving Communities. It outlines concrete actions to foster inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring Canadian storytellers from coast to coast are supported, empowered, and celebrated. This strategy will also be integral to the organization’s modernization as CMF adapts to historical regulatory and policy updates.

“Embedding equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into the infrastructure of the CMF is the central thread of this new strategy,” said Joy Loewen, VP of Growth and Inclusion, CMF. “After listening carefully to the industry, we have set goals and departmental actions that are essential to creating a sustainable, thriving audiovisual sector that truly reflects the rich diversity in our country. We aim to ensure that all creators, no matter their background or ability, have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”

HIGHLIGHTS
Expanded accessibility support across programs: The CMF is significantly increasing its accessibility services by expanding the number and specialty of service providers, boosting annual program support, and enhancing eligibility for applicants with disabilities. This ensures a more equitable application process, breaking down barriers for disabled creators and production companies to thrive.

Targeted growth and international success for Equity-Deserving companies: A new Sector Development Support program will focus on capacity building, market access, and workforce development for companies owned by Black, Indigenous, and racialized creators, as well as other Equity-Deserving Communities. The strategy aims to position these companies for long-term stability and international success, including targeted support for French-language creators in markets such as West Africa and the Caribbean.

Diverse and inclusive decision-making panels: The CMF will implement a robust revision of its Jury Recruitment and Training Policy to address unconscious bias and ensure that all project evaluation panels reflect the diversity of Canada’s population.

Data-driven accountability and enhanced reporting: Building on the success of the PERSONA-ID system, the CMF will implement improved data collection and transparency mechanisms to track diversity in all funded projects.

Strategic industry partnerships and enhanced inclusion initiatives: The CMF is ramping up collaborations with diverse industry organizations, festivals, and networking events to foster greater inclusion.

“I want to thank Joy and the entire Growth and Inclusion team for their hard work to make this strategy a reality,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, CMF. “The EDIA Strategy will be one of the pillars of the CMF’s new program model as we work hand-in-hand with Canadian Heritage to modernize our industry and ensure it is more inclusive and accessible for everyone.”