Diversity and inclusion
Equity and Representation Action Committee
We have also committed to the creation of an internal Action Committee led by E.J. Alon and Kathleen Beaugé, which will work in coordination with external stakeholders such as the diversity and inclusion working group and continue discussions with our communities.
The mandate of the Action Committee will be to:
- Support Telefilm in its commitment to achieving the goals of inclusivity, diversity, equity and access for creators of underrepresented identities
- Review and ensure that the activities of Telefilm’s Working groups are put into action
- Maintain an open channel of communication with external communities
Building a Diverse Workforce
To help further our commitment, Telefilm will be hiring for the following roles:
- Content Analyst – Lead, Equity and Representation, English market
- Content Analyst – Equity and Representation, French market (supporting both the Lead, Equity and Representation, and the Lead, Indigenous Initiatives across both markets)
- Business Affairs Analyst (liaising with the Content Analysts, Equity and Representation)
- Project Management Officer, (reporting to members of Telefilm’s Executive Leadership Team)
Full descriptions for these roles are forthcoming.
Beyond these new roles, we are also committed to a minimum of 50% representation within new hires across Telefilm and 30% representation of new management hires of underrepresented identities by 2023, focusing on Black, Indigenous, other Racialized Persons, Persons with disability and LGBTQ2+. We will expand our outreach and recruitment efforts, as well as promotion and retention, to achieve this.
In addition, we remain committed to further diversifying our workforce beyond new hires through opportunities such as replacement of maternity leaves or retirements, as well as filling of existing vacant positions, consultants, and service providers.
Diversity and Inclusion Working Group
On March 9, Telefilm Canada hosted the inaugural Working Group Meeting on Diversity and Inclusion, with industry members of the Black, Indigenous, People of Colour communities, as well as representatives from unions and guilds. Telefilm invited industry stakeholder associations, Talent to Watch partners who work with, and support, underrepresented communities; and diversity and inclusion experts.
Representatives from the following organizations participated in the inaugural meeting:
AQPM
ARRQ
SARTEC
UDA
CMPA
WGC
DGC
CCDI
DAM
Montreal International Black Film Festival
APFC
Reelworld Film Festival
CaribbeanTales Media Group
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
Inside Out LGBT Film Festival
Accessible Media Inc
In addition, invitations were extended to ACTRA and the Indigenous Screen Office. Invitations to the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group have also since been extended to BIPOC TV& Film, Racial Equity Media Collective (REMC) and the Independent Media Producers Association of Cinematic Talent (IMPACT). Telefilm is continually looking to add member organizations to the Working Group as it evolves.