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Canada Media Fund

Government fund

Toronto · Seed · 26 people tracked

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Investment thesis

The Canada Media Fund is the country's largest funder of screen-based content, championing authentic Canadian and Indigenous storytelling for domestic and international audiences. It views investment in Canada's cultural industry as a nation-building effort, supporting creators and companies that contribute over $11 billion to national GDP and sustain small and medium-sized businesses across the country. Its strategy centers on modernizing the industry, mobilizing Canadians, maximizing the sector's potential, and monetizing growth. The CMF's role is to convene, invest, and build conditions for success across Canada's audiovisual and interactive digital media markets.

Invests inMedia & EntertainmentCanadaToronto

Source: firm website, verified Aug 2, 2026.

Stage
Seed
HQ
Toronto, CA
Leads rounds
Follows
Instruments
Grants

Team · 26 people

from the firm's website
Valerie Creighton· President and CEO

A longtime leader in arts, culture, and media, Valerie Creighton is President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund and a recognized advocate for Canadian and Indigenous content, having received the Order of Canada and numerous industry honours.

Barry Chapman

A CPA with over 30 years in telecommunications at the executive level, Barry Chapman was VP of Regulatory Affairs at Bell Canada from 1989 to 2017 and brings extensive corporate governance experience.

Chantale Coulombe

A lawyer who practiced intellectual property for nearly 20 years as a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, Chantale Coulombe later served as VP of Corporate and Legal Affairs at ComediHa! Group and is now President and CEO of the College of Corporate Directors at Laval University.

Courtney

Courtney has built a human resources career across media, aviation, law, and government, leading initiatives in policy modernization and organizational design. She holds a Master's in Employment Relations from Memorial University.

Emmanuelle· Strategic Partnerships

With over 20 years in Canada's media industries, Emmanuelle joined the CMF in 2014 as Marketing Manager and moved to strategic partnerships in 2020, helping grow the CMF's national and international partnerships.

Gary Pizante

With roles in Canadian telecommunications, cable, and satellite since 1988, Gary Pizante was previously VP of Pricing and Analytics at Shaw Communications and holds master's degrees in economics and communications.

Heidi Bonnell

An independent public affairs consultant specializing in regulatory and consumer interests in telecommunications, Heidi Bonnell was VP of Federal Government Affairs at Rogers Communications for nearly two decades.

Isabelle Doré· Project Intake

Serves as the project intake contact for CMF's industry programs.

Janine

An experienced media producer and arts administrator focused on digital strategy and immersive technologies, Janine helps develop CMF policy and programs. She previously held senior roles at Creative BC and the National Film Board.

Jared

A communicator with an academic background in writing, research, and media relations, Jared joined the CMF from BGC Canada. He holds degrees in English Literature from the University of Toronto and UBC.

Jessica

A Métis/Scottish-Settler arts leader with over 15 years in Canada's media and culture spaces, Jessica has worked with organizations including imagineNATIVE and is a director and producer with TV and film credits.

Joy· VP of Industry Development

Joy leads the CMF's strategies for inclusion and industry growth. She previously served as CEO of the National Screen Institute and helped launch the Women's Television Network.

Karen· Director of English Content

Karen manages linear content programs for the English market and helps develop and interpret CMF policy. She previously negotiated business deals at the CBC as Business & Rights Manager.

Kelly-Ann Jones

For nearly two decades, Kelly-Ann Jones has shaped the CMF's research, analytics, and audience intelligence work, leading initiatives that strengthen data-driven decision-making.

Kyle

Kyle works across the CMF's public affairs and regulatory functions, engaging with government, the CRTC, and industry. He previously held senior policy roles at the Canadian Media Producers Association.

Mathieu

An award-winning communicator, marketer, and journalist from Montreal, Mathieu joined the CMF in 2019. He previously worked as an executive at Famous Players and Cineplex Media and advocates for greater inclusion on and behind the screen.

Maxime Ruel· Senior Manager, Communications

Senior Manager of Communications at the Canada Media Fund, serving as media contact.

Michael· Director of Strategic Reporting

With over 15 years in Canada's screen industry, Michael oversees the CMF's data reporting framework and has led development of its Data Strategy and Program Evaluation Unit.

Michael Schmalz

Former President of Digital Extremes, Michael Schmalz has over 20 years in digital media with a focus on gaming innovation. He holds a PhD, MBA, and is a CPA, Professional Engineer, and Chartered Director.

Mireille

With over 25 years in the screen industry including nearly 15 years at Telefilm Canada, Mireille served as Deputy Director for the CMF's Program Administrator and previously worked as a producer.

Nathalie Clermont· Director of Program Management (former)

With over 25 years in film, television, and digital media, Nathalie Clermont joined the CMF in 2007 and is a key advisor on policies and programs, focusing on alternative funding partnerships. She previously spent 15 years at SODEC.

Richard Koo

With over 20 years in audience research, Richard Koo leads analytics, strategic reporting, and foresight teams at the CMF, focusing on using data to address equity challenges and promote industry growth.

Russell

Executive Director of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia since 2012, Russell has spent over 29 years preserving and promoting Nova Scotia's Black culture and history using innovative media technologies.

Sanae Takahashi

A retired strategic planner and marketing professional with 20 years of executive experience in Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications, Sanae Takahashi served as SVP at Shaw Communications and VP at Rogers Wireless.

Svitlana Levit· Director of Finance and Administration

Svitlana Levit oversees financial planning, administrative operations, and IT infrastructure at the CMF, bringing over 25 years in the not-for-profit sector. She holds a CPA designation.

Trent· Finance/Operations Executive

Trent brings over 30 years of industry and financial experience, previously serving as VP of Finance and COO at Portfolio Entertainment and 14 years at Teletoon Canada. He holds a business administration degree from Brock University and a CMA designation.

Frequently asked questions

What stage does Canada Media Fund invest at?
Canada Media Fund invests at the Seed stage.
What sectors does Canada Media Fund focus on?
Canada Media Fund focuses on Media & Entertainment.
Where is Canada Media Fund located?
Canada Media Fund is headquartered in Toronto, CA.
Does Canada Media Fund lead rounds?
Canada Media Fund typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.

Media · Podcasts & interviews

featuring the team

Valerie Creighton in Conversation | Canada Media Fund CEO | Building Canada's Creative Economy - YouTube

atncanada · Valerie Creighton

In crisis, "the community has really come together," says Valerie Creighton, of Canada Media Fund - YouTube

Bedford Consulting Group · Valerie Creighton

Valerie Creighton, CEO of the Canada Media Fund, talks about the advantage of different platforms - YouTube

NATPE · Valerie Creighton

Valerie Creighton, President & CEO, Canada Media Fund - Prime Time in Ottawa 2014 - YouTube

Canadian Media Producers Association · Valerie Creighton

Sector Development: Program Overview

Canada Media Fund - Fonds des médias du Canada

Aperçu du programme: Soutien au développement de l’industrie

Canada Media Fund - Fonds des médias du Canada

Images

Canada Media Fund photoCanada Media Fund photo

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