Canada Media Fund Unveils New Measures to Support Diversity

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has rolled out additional measures to support screen-based creators, organizations and businesses from diverse communities.

The CMF has doubled funding to the COVID Emergency Relief Funds to Black and People of Colour, bringing the number to C$8 million ($6.1 million). Further, following consultation with Black and people of color (BPOC) in the industry, the CMF is releasing criteria to access COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds for companies owned by members of the BPOC communities. It is also announcing the Black People and People of Colour Sector Development Support for industry initiatives that are not eligible for funding from other CMF Programs.

Initiatives eligible for BPOC Sector Development Support will demonstrate a significant benefit to multiple racialized creators, producers, and companies within Canada’s audiovisual production ecosystem. Through consultation with racialized stakeholders, the CMF identified several organizations dedicated to supporting BPOC-led companies and racialized creators working in Canada’s screen-based industries. The CMF’s investment will support these organizations’ growth and stabilization as they continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 and respond to barriers related to the systemic racism that affect BPOC creators. The four organizations supported in this initial round include the Black Screen Office, BIPOC TV & FILM, Racial Equity Media Collective (REMC) and Reelworld Screen Institute.

Valerie Creighton, president and CEO at the CMF, said: “We recognize many historically marginalized communities within the industry are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis and were not eligible for other CMF emergency relief funds. We have consulted with industry leaders and partners from these communities to determine how these funds can be best used to support BPOC creators affected by COVID-19. We’re continuing to build new relationships and partnerships with racialized groups, which will last well beyond the current crisis and help inform the CMF’s policy and program directions in the future. Support to these organizations will help our industry become more inclusive and representative of all the talent Canada has to offer.”