HireBIPOC Initiative Launches in Canada

Broadcasters and industry leaders in Canada, in partnership with BIPOC TV & FILM, have launched the HireBIPOC initiative in an effort to eradicate systemic racism in the media and entertainment industries.

The initiative aims to create meaningful change around hiring practices and ensure a more inclusive workforce. With over 500 members already registered, the online roster is a collaboration between more than 20 Canadian media organizations. Bell Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Corus Entertainment and Rogers Sports & Media are Foundational Partners and have committed to making the use of HireBIPOC a specific condition of greenlights for original productions. CBC/Radio-Canada urges all producers to use resources such as HireBIPOC and similar industry sites that are dedicated to amplifying talent from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities.

Nathalie Younglai, founder of BIPOC TV & FILM, said: “If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that now is the time for brave steps towards radical change. HireBIPOC is one step amongst many, in order to transform the face of our industry. We need measurable commitments to hiring more Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. We all have a circle of influence and it is up to each one of us to use it.”

Randy Lennox, president of Bell Media, said: “Creating real, systemic change to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Canadian media industry is a long-term commitment, and a top priority for Bell Media. We’re proud to make use of HireBIPOC among our production partners a condition of green light for Bell Media original productions. It is our ardent hope that HireBIPOC is a game-changer for Canadian content in seeing more Black, Indigenous and People of Color on screens across the country.”

Doug Murphy, president and CEO at Corus Entertainment, said: “HireBIPOC is a transformational industry commitment that will drive real, sustainable change to ensure we are advancing diversity both on and off air. This initiative complements our proactive and comprehensive approach to diversity and inclusiveness and we are confident it will have meaningful long-term impact to our audiences, our people and our partners.”

Jordan Banks, president of Rogers Sports & Media, said: “The past several months have provided ample opportunity for reflection about the important role we all play in uplifting our most vulnerable communities. At Rogers Sports & Media, we have been listening intently and learning from our team members and partners about the steps we can take to eliminate systemic racism in Canada. This is why we recently launched our action-oriented program All IN, and now HireBIPOC is another critical initiative that will help to ensure the Canadian media industry more fairly and accurately represents the communities we serve. While there is still much work to be done, we are stronger together.”

Catherine Tait, president and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada, said: “CBC/Radio-Canada is committed to supporting all industry efforts to advance the inclusion and representation of Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern and Latinx talent in our creative communities and original programming. Resources like this new database will ensure greater access and exposure for more racially diverse producers and creatives, both in front of and behind the camera, in order to better reflect our country across all areas of the industry.”