CMF ANNOUNCES FLEXIBILITY MEASURES IN RESPONSE TO PANDEMIC

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) released a series of flexibility measures to its program guidelines, processes and envelope manuals. These measures are designed to give eligible applicants and broadcasters additional latitude in accessing the CMF’s existing programs and navigating its policies and administrative practices.

“After assessing the impact of the pandemic on our industry and consultation with creators, producers and broadcasters, we are now in a position to announce a series of tangible measures, which will give CMF stakeholders additional  flexibility while production remains grounded,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, CMF. “We hope that by introducing these measures our industry will feel a little less worried about the short-term outlook for their projects and their companies. We will remain attentive and responsive to our stakeholders as the pandemic unfolds. The CMF continues to engage with the government and expects to provide further flexibility for the production community in the near future. Our immediate priority is the distribution of the Emergency Relief Fund of $88.8M announced by the Government of Canada.”

The measures apply to CMF projects funded before 2020-2021 that have not yet fully closed and to projects seeking funding in 2020-2021. They are divided into two main sections: Operational Flexibility; and Policy Flexibility.

While the list of measures may be updated as the situation evolves, all other requirements will remain in force for each CMF Program until further notice.