Canada Media Fund Cocktail Reception

Ottawa, Ontario
September 29, 2010

Acknowledge VIPs (TBC)

Ladies and gentlemen,

I'm delighted to be with you this evening to recognize the hard work that's gone into creating the Canada Media Fund (CMF), which is truly a success story.

The CMF was developed to support the broadcasting, interactive digital media, and production sectors as they work together within a rapidly changing technological environment to provide Canadian content on a range of digital distribution platforms.

Recent media coverage of convergence in the industry –Shaw's acquisition of Canwest and Bell's acquisition of CTV – suggest that industry players value content as key to their success in the digital economy.

New devices have created new ways to reach audiences. Canadians are increasingly in control, acting as creators, critics, tastemakers, distributers and aggregators of content, across multiple platforms.

We know that creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs, including digital media and content, play a major role in the economy. We also know that ultimately, digital media and content will drive demand for devices and bandwidth.

The implementation of the CMF has created broad momentum for change in the industry. New partnerships are evolving and business models are being rethought.

The Canada Media Fund is bringing broadcasters together with creators and producers of new forms of content. In doing so, it will ensure that Canadians have access to high-quality, creative, and innovative content – where and when they want it.

The Fund will support Canadian talent in both official languages. It will also continue to support Aboriginal and French-language minority productions and programs in third languages.

Our Government is proud to contribute to the Canada Media Fund more than $134 million this year. Of this funding, $100 million comes from Canada's Economic Action Plan. Combined with approximately $190 million from our private sector partners, the CMF will invest more than $350 million in 2010-11.

We are confident that the broadcasting and digital media sectors will continue to contribute to Canada's economic well-being and will benefit Canadians from all regions of the country.

It's been about six months since we launched the Canada Media Fund, and to everyone who is from the Canada Media Fund corporation, I want to commend you on your leadership and hard work. Your efforts have ensured a smooth transition to the new Fund.

We will continue to work together to ensure the CMF's ongoing success in providing Canadians with exciting content that is reflective of the new digital realities.

Thank you.