CMF announces changes to Board of Directors
Toronto, July 31, 2025 — The Canada Media Fund (CMF) is pleased to welcome Caroline Dignard and Heidi Bonnell, two respected industry leaders appointed to our Board of Directors by the Canadian Coalition for Cultural Expression (CCCE). We also extend our sincere thanks to Alison Clayton and René Guimond for their dedicated service as they retire from the Board.
Caroline Dignard is a strategic legal executive with more than two decades of experience in Canada’s telecommunications industry. Most recently Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Privacy Officer at Cogeco Connexion, she is known for her expertise in governance, regulatory policy, and privacy law. A long-standing advocate for diversity and inclusion, Dignard co-founded the Cogeco Women’s Network and played a key role in building the company’s first mentorship program.
Heidi Bonnell brings more than 30 years of leadership in government relations, strategic communications, and public policy. She served as Vice President of Government Affairs at Rogers Communications and held senior roles in both federal and provincial governments. A champion of Canadian culture and innovation, Bonnell currently leads a consultancy supporting leaders across sectors and sits on several boards including The Rooms, a leading cultural institution in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We are happy to welcome Caroline and Heidi to the Board,” said Michael Schmalz, Chair of the CMF Board of Directors. “They bring a wealth of experience across telecommunications, public affairs, and cultural policy—areas critical to the CMF’s mission of supporting and championing Canadian storytelling across all platforms. We look forward to their insights and leadership as we navigate an ever-evolving audiovisual sector.”
The CMF also wishes to recognize the departure of two longstanding Board members: Alison Clayton and René Guimond.
Alison Clayton retires after two decades of dedicated service on the Board. Her unparalleled contribution has helped shape the CMF through periods of transformation, ensuring strong governance and a lasting commitment to Canadian content. Her thoughtful guidance and steady presence will be deeply missed.
René Guimond also departs after serving with distinction. A trusted voice on the Board, he brought deep industry knowledge and a passion for innovation and public engagement.
“We are grateful to Alison and René for their years of dedication and service,” added Schmalz. “Their leadership has been instrumental to the CMF’s success, and we extend our sincere thanks.”
Learn more about the CMF’s board of directors and our governance policies
About the Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) fosters, develops, finances, and promotes the production of Canadian content and applications for all audiovisual media platforms. The CMF guides Canadian content towards a competitive global environment by fostering industry innovation, rewarding success, enabling a diversity of voice, and promoting access to content through public and private sector partnerships. The CMF receives financial contributions from the Government of Canada and Canada’s cable, satellite, and IPTV distributors. Visit our website for more information.
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