Industry Consultation

Principles and Objectives of the CMF’s Consultation Policy

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) consultation policy is based on the principle that the industry consultation process should be meaningful, formal, ongoing and inclusive. The underlying values of the policy include transparency, cooperation, communication, balance and results.

The consultation process includes five objectives:

• Gaining high-level stakeholder input into CMF planning and program development and design 
• Being informed of emerging stakeholder issues and priorities 
• Making fully informed policy decisions 
• Maintaining two-way communication between the CMF and its stakeholders 
• Allowing stakeholders to be part of, and understand, the CMF's policy making process

In 2016-2017, the consultation process comprised the following elements: 

Cross-country Focus Groups

Three Round Tables were held during the fall in Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver in conjunction with industry events that the CMF had partnership agreements with. These roundtables solicited stakeholder feedback on the CMF’s updated New Funding Framework, including more tangible information and deadlines for implementation.

Working Groups and Advisory Committee

The working groups and advisory committee, comprised of representatives with a particular interest in the topic covered, were employed to delve more deeply into issue-based, program-related topics: Performance Envelopes, Indigenous support, Eligible Licence Fees and Other Rights, and Digital Media Measurement Framework were the topics discussed during these meetings.

Industry leaders Round Table

CMF initiated a round table meeting with top industry leaders that do not attend the regular consultation open forum meetings. This provided an opportunity for a candid discussion and frank exchange. This meeting was to consider current obstacles in the system to future growth, discuss strategic ideas and a future vision for the industry.

Individual meetings

CMF representatives also met with different groups of stakeholders who had specific issues to raise with the CMF regarding their particular challenges. 

Written submissions

The CMF received approximately 20 written submissions from stakeholders (industry groups and unions). 

Online Consultation

The CMF website’s consultation page allows stakeholders to access to all consultation information and documents. 

Stakeholders’ active and valuable participation throughout all phases of the consultation process demonstrates the industry’s interest in taking part in the evolution of the CMF’s policies and programs.