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Lobbying by Directors Guild of Canada: its registrations, its lobbyists, the bills it has named and every meeting it has reported with federal office holders since November 2021.

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Organization

Directors Guild of Canada

Meetings this Parliament
51
With MPs
22
Since Nov 2021
84
Active registrations
1

Most recent reported meeting: Oct 23, 2026.

Registrations in effect

In-house (organization) In effect since Feb 2, 2026

Filed by Alistair Hepburn, National Executive Director

Lobbyists

  • Alistair Hepburn · National Executive Director
  • Catherine Middleton · Associate National Executive Director
  • Samuel Bischoff · Director of Policy

Institutions they may lobby: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Canadian Heritage (PCH), Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Copyright Board of Canada (CB), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Finance Canada (FIN), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), House of Commons, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), National Film Board (NFB), Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Privy Council Office (PCO), Senate of Canada, Telefilm Canada

What they're lobbying on (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.
  • Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Registration 963895-227641-27. Look it up in the official Registry

Reported meetings

Spreadsheet

Filed by Dave Forget (36), Alistair Hepburn (31), Catherine Middleton (17).

  • Reported by Alistair Hepburn · In-house (organization)

    • Marc Miller · Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Brian MacKay · Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Canadian Heritage (PCH)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    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.

    Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies.

    Official report

  • Reported by Alistair Hepburn · In-house (organization)

    • Galen Richardson · Senior Advisor, Stakeholder Relations, Privy Council Office (PCO)
    • Brandan Rowe · Chief of Staff, Privy Council Office (PCO)
    Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies. Read more

    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.

    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.

    Official report

  • Reported by Alistair Hepburn · In-house (organization)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    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.

    Official report

  • Reported by Alistair Hepburn · In-house (organization)

    • Francis Bilodeau · Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Michel Sabbagh · Director General, Audiovisual, Canadian Heritage (PCH)

    C-1144-1

    Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies. Read more

    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.

    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.

    Official report

  • Reported by Alistair Hepburn · In-house (organization)

    • Michel Sabbagh · Director General, Audiovisual, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Jocelyn Girard · Director, Audiovisual Policy and Partnerships, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Scott White · Director, CAVCO, Canadian Heritage (PCH)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies.

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    • Brett Szmul · Policy Advisor, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    • Brian MacKay · Deputy Chief of Staff, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Alistair Hepburn · In-house (organization)

    • Manuela Tomic · Senior Policy Advisor, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    • Galen Richardson · Senior Advisor, Stakeholder Relations, Privy Council Office (PCO)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    • Alfred Burgesson · Senior Policy Advisor, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    • Fannie Lalonde · Director, International trade policy and programs, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Lara Thorpe · Manager, International Trade Policy and Programs (Creative Export Strategy), Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Fouad Matar · Manager, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Alain Nantel · Manager, International Business Operations, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    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.

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    • Isabelle Mondou · Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Michel Sabbagh · Director General, Audiovisual, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Charlene Budnisky · Senior Director, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Blair McMurren · Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Cultural Affairs, Canadian Heritage (PCH)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    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.

    Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies.

    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.

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    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. Read more

    Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies.

    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.

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    • Connor Fisher · Ontario Regional Advisor, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Tao Fei · Policy Advisor, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Darren Choi · Senior Policy Advisor, Canadian Heritage (PCH)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    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.

    Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies.

    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.

    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.

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    • Michael Paramathasan · Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
    • Klara Hupel · Regional Advisor (Quebec), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Catherine Middleton · In-house (organization)

    • Nasser Haidar · Senior Policy Advisor, Privy Council Office (PCO)
    • Miro Froehlich · Director of Policy, Privy Council Office (PCO)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    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.

    Ensure Canada’s screen industries remain globally competitive through tax incentives, fair labour practices, and investment in talent. Promote tax and financing mechanisms that encourage private investment in Canadian-owned intellectual property. Advocate for modernized funding models through Telefilm Canada, the CMF, and provincial agencies.

    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.

    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.

    Official report

  • Reported by Dave Forget · In-house (organization)

    • Amy Awad · Director General, Canadian Heritage (PCH)
    • Terence Stechysin · Director, Canadian Heritage (PCH)

    C-1144-1

    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. Read more

    Official report

  • Reported by Dave Forget · In-house (organization)

    • Samir Chhabra · Director General, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
    • Patrick Blanar · Director of Policy, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

    C-2744-1

    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. Read more

    Official report

From the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying's open data, published November 5, 2026. Reports cover oral, arranged meetings with designated public office holders since November 22, 2021; lobbyists file them by the 15th of the following month. Names of MPs are matched to the current House of Commons, and bills are linked when the lobbyist's own description makes clear which bill it means. Contains information licensed under the Open Data Licence Agreement — Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying. Licence. PolitiKit is independent and is not endorsed by the Commissioner of Lobbying.