Canadian Government Supports Bilingual Docuseries

TORONTO: Through the Canada 150 Fund, the Canadian government has awarded C$500,000 ($375,000) to White Pine Pictures for We Are Canada, a new bilingual CBC and Radio-Canada documentary series and digital media project.

We Are Canada is a six-part English- and French-language documentary series that tells the stories of a new generation of young Canadians looking to change the world. The series features 18 stories of innovators from across the country, with each hour-long episode following three individuals.

Slated for broadcast on CBC, ICI Radio-Canada Télé and ICI RDI during Canada’s 150th celebratory year (2017), and recently announced by CBC as part of its official Canada 2017 programming, We Are Canada is based on the idea that Canadians define themselves as a nation by what its citizens do and where they’re going. The mission of the series is to introduce Canadians to the Chris Hadfields, Naheed Nenshis, Sarah Polleys, Robert Lepages and James Orbinskis of the future. The project was conceived and produced in collaboration with Ken Dryden.

Dryden remarked: “The innovation, vision and leadership delivered with passion by the 18 creative, compassionate and determined young Canadians in We Are Canada makes me proud, hopeful and confident in Canada’s future.”

Working in collaboration with Ryerson University’s Transmedia Zone and the Faculty of Communication and Design, We Are Canada Digital will feature original and interactive digital content bringing the show to Canadian millennial audiences on social platforms. The digital component of the series will reach across Canada with a “Virtual Studio” that works with young change makers across the country to get involved and tell their stories. It will also showcase the “making of” the series as well as mini-profiles of those featured in We Are Canada. Interactive live online events will also be part of We Are Canada Digital.

Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Intergovernmental Affairs) and Member of Parliament (Spadina–Fort York), presented the funds to Peter Raymont, the president of White Pine Pictures. Vaughan commented: “As part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, communities all across the country will get to know the stories of exceptional Canadians who aren’t afraid to push boundaries. This documentary series by White Pine Pictures is sure to touch all Canadians with these inspiring life stories.”