Lobbying registration dated 2026-02-24
Registrant: Alistair Hepburn
Client: Directors Guild of Canada
Targeted institutions:
Canadian Heritage (PCH)
National Film Board (NFB)
Copyright Board of Canada (CB)
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Telefilm Canada
Finance Canada (FIN)
Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
House of Commons
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
Privy Council Office (PCO)
Senate of Canada
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
Legislative bills: C-11
Government funding received:
Lobbying activity details:
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.
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.
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.
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.