Telefilm Canada's CEO, Christa Dickenson, exits the company

Telefilm Canada announced that, after more than four years at the helm of the organization, Christa Dickenson will be moving on from her role as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 9, 2022. Appointed by the Governor in Council, Dickenson assumed her role on July 30, 2018, following a prominent career in television, technology, telecommunications, and digital media. Over the past four years, Dickenson has led Telefilm through a period of transformation and modernization. Telefilm launched its largest-ever pan-Canadian consultation on the Success Index, the Development Program, and the Talent to Watch Program.

Under her leadership, Telefilm was allocated $105M in additional funding over a three-year period. Telefilm was also entrusted by the Government of Canada with the administration of the Canadian Audio-Visual Short-Term Compensation Fund, as well as additional funding to support the recovery and reopening of the arts and culture sector. Also during her tenure, Dickenson modernized Telefilm’s programs reviewed its decision-making processes, and promoted access to its programs for a greater diversity of Canadian voices. In recent years, Telefilm has also increased its transparency, strengthened its governance, and put in place clear and concrete action plans in the areas of environmental responsibility, equity, and representation.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Christa for her invaluable contribution to both Telefilm and Canada’s audiovisual sector. The optimization of programs combined with the management of emergency measures and funds for the industry, due to the pandemic, demonstrate that her contribution has not only been considerable but vital. She has been rigorous, bold, and skilled at leading the change within the organization and has put in place an experienced executive leadership team that will ensure continuity in the service of Telefilm’s mission. The Board will take the necessary steps with the government to ensure a smooth transition. We will use this period to conduct a comprehensive search for the right person to continue the remarkable work she has done,”  said Robert Spickler, Chair of Telefilm Canada’s Board.

“It was a difficult decision to make, but since I set out to make meaningful change, I felt that after all, we accomplished together, I could leave to take on a new challenge within another organization. I am proud of the Telefilm team, an accomplished and passionate team of dedicated professionals who have proven to be particularly agile and determined during this period of profound transformation. Telefilm has a solid foundation to continue to support the audiovisual industry as a whole and enable it to flourish. The future of this industry is promising,”  Dickenson declared.