Directors Guild of Canada

What they're asking for

In the registry's own words. Descriptions are only filed for meetings since mid-2024.

1. Advance the recognition and protection of directors and screenwriters as primary authors of audiovisual works in Canadian law and international treaties. Support collective management and equitable remuneration for the use of Canadian audiovisual works worldwide. Defend creative and moral rights in digital environments and oppose any weakening of authorship or copyright protections.

   May 26, 2026 · Parm Bains · Liberal · Intellectual Property; Arts and Culture

2. Position Canadian directors and storytellers as global ambassadors of cultural sovereignty and creative excellence through international partnerships and export programs. - Promote the visibility of Canadian directors and works at international markets and festivals. - Support mobility, co-production, and export opportunities for Canadian creative talent. - Advocate for the inclusion of directors’ authorship and cultural diplomacy objectives in international trade and cultural agreements.

   April 23, 2026 · Lisa Hepfner · Liberal · Intellectual Property; International Trade; Arts and Culture; Broadcasting

3. Ensure that the evolution of AI and digital tools strengthens, not replaces, human creativity and artistic authorship. Advocate for a human-centred approach to AI governance that protects creators’ rights and preserves artistic integrity. Support clear rules for AI training, use, remuneration and attribution in audiovisual productions.

   April 23, 2026 · Lisa Hepfner · Liberal · Intellectual Property; Arts and Culture

4. Strengthen Canada’s audiovisual and cultural ecosystem by ensuring that directors and creative authors are recognized, supported, and central to cultural policy. Advocate for sustained and equitable funding for Canadian feature films, scripted series, and documentaries. Support the implementation of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) in a way that ensures meaningful opportunities for Canadian creators and independent producers.

   April 23, 2026 · Heather McPherson · NDP · Intellectual Property; Arts and Culture; Broadcasting

5. Position Canadian directors and storytellers as global ambassadors of cultural sovereignty and creative excellence through international partnerships and export programs. - Promote the visibility of Canadian directors and works at international markets and festivals. - Support mobility, co-production, and export opportunities for Canadian creative talent. - Advocate for the inclusion of directors’ authorship and cultural diplomacy objectives in international trade and cultural agreements.

   October 9, 2025 · Rachael Thomas · Conservative · Intellectual Property; Arts and Culture

6. Issues related to the Copyright are of interest to the Guild, such as the formerly known Bill C-11, an Act to Amend the Copyright Act, notably for the absence of a definition of directors and screenwriters as authors of audiovisual works. The DGC plans on appearing before the Committee dealing with this Bill.

   February 4, 2025 · Pierre Paul-Hus · Conservative · Intellectual Property; Taxation and Finance; Arts and Culture; Broadcasting

7. The DGC lobbies extensively on issues of concern for our Members including Canadian content conditions, CRTC regulations and ensuring that funding is maintained for Canadian film and television programming.

   December 4, 2024 · Martin Champoux · Bloc Québécois · Intellectual Property; Arts and Culture; Broadcasting

8. The DGC lobbies to ensure that future developments of artificial intelligence preserve and augment human creativity. The DGC is concerned by issues related the protection of authors rights as part of the development of a new legislation regarding artificial intelligence systems, currently known as Bill C-27, and its AIDA component.

   October 1, 2024 · Jean-Denis Garon · Bloc Québécois · Industry; Intellectual Property; Arts and Culture

Full meeting log

19 MP-directed communications since January 2024, from the Registry of Lobbyists.