The Canadian film and television industry is firmly committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) despite a tightening crackdown on such initiatives by the U.S. government under the Trump administration.
At the Banff World Media Festival, major Canadian broadcasters, producers, guilds, and funding agencies jointly unveiled a powerful statement of values reaffirming their dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion. This unified stance reflects a shared goal: to ensure the Canadian screen industry mirrors the country’s multicultural communities.
Christa Dickenson, CEO of CPAC (Canada’s C-SPAN network), emphasized to The Hollywood Reporter the importance of accountability. “It’s holding each other to our promises, our commitments,” she said. The statement affirms the belief that “diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences—including those of individuals from diverse racial, sexual, and gender identities and expressions, as well as those with disabilities—lead to stronger, more engaging, and innovative content.”
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Commitment to Inclusion and Representation
Canadian media leaders are pledging to actively dismantle systemic discrimination—including racism, ableism, and other forms of oppression—within their organizations and across the screen industry. This commitment aims to broaden representation and ensure programming resonates with all domestic audiences.
Following the global awakening sparked by George Floyd’s murder in 2020, the Canadian industry—supported by government financing and tax incentives—vowed to amplify voices from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
In contrast to the U.S., where DEI efforts have faced increasing opposition, the Canadian screen sector has pressed ahead, determined to safeguard hard-won equality advances.
Joan Jenkinson, CEO of the Black Screen Office, underscored Canada’s leadership during a time of retrenchment in Hollywood. “Despite the rhetoric and vitriol coming from Trump and from other parts of Europe, we’re saying we want to be leaders in this space,” she declared. At Banff, Jenkinson affirmed, “Canada’s screen industry is not backing down. We’re stepping forward.”
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Growing Industry Support
Approximately 75 major Canadian media organizations have already signed the statement of values, with more expected to join. The Canadian government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, continues to invest heavily in diverse talent both in front of and behind the camera.
While Canada made early strides in closing the gender gap in film and TV, progress promoting BIPOC talent has been slower but steady.
Economic pressures and shrinking content budgets that have stalled similar efforts in the U.S. have not deterred Canadian media players. A notable success story is the growth of Indigenous content creators, highlighted by recent productions like the Netflix and CBC comedy North of North, starring Anna Lambe.
Mike Omelus, CEO of APTN—Canada’s national Indigenous broadcaster—expressed pride in being a founding signatory of the initiative. “Together, we’re shaping a screen industry that is more inclusive, more reflective of the communities we serve, and guided by values that represent us all,” Omelus said.
