CMF launches enhanced 2026–2027 Sector Development Support, renews Accessibility Support Program

Toronto, April 8, 2026 — Following a national consultation with industry partners, organizations, and creators, the Canada Media Fund (CMF) today published the 2026–2027 guidelines for our revamped Sector Development Support program with a $3.5M budget.  

“The insights we received through this consultation highlight the resilience of our sector and a clear call for a funding program that strengthens stability and closes professional development and workforce gaps, which in turn fuels career development and company growth,” said Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, CMF. “We are grateful to our partners and the many participants for sharing their perspectives with us. Your input played a starring role in shaping a reimagined Sector Development Support program for the CMF.” 

We are also renewing our Accessibility Support Program (ASP) and expanding our network of service providers and tailored supports. With a $50,000 budget, the ASP offers financial assistance for individuals who identify as Disabled Persons/Persons with Disability(ies) in overcoming possible barriers during the application process for our programs.  

Added to last week’s budget announcement for our Content programs, this brings the total 2026–2027 CMF Program Budget to $362,560,000. 

View the full Program Budget breakdown for 2026–2027

Key changes 

Funding streams 

As announced on March 18, we are implementing two Sector Development Support funding streams—Workforce Advancement and Organizational Advancement—to better meet the needs of the industry. 

Each stream will have a single, selective intake period per fiscal year. Applicants may request up to $100,000 in either stream for single organizations, or up to $250,000 for two or more organizations working in collaboration in the Workforce Advancement stream. Following repeated feedback throughout the consultation, we are also removing contribution maximums tied to regionally scoped projects. 

Additionally, a minimum of two-thirds of the Sector Development Support program budget is dedicated to organizations majority led by—and mandated to serve—Indigenous, Equity-Deserving, and/or Regional Communities. One-third of the program budget is earmarked for French-language projects. 

Workforce Advancement 

The Workforce Advancement stream is open to Canadian non-profit corporations, industry associations, and guilds with a primary mandate in the Canadian screen-based sector. Applicants can be single organizations or two or more non-profits working in collaboration. Project intake for this stream will open on May 29 and close on June 5, 2026. 

View the Workforce Advancement stream guidelines and evaluation criteria

Preview the stream’s activity proposal

Organizational Advancement 

The Organizational Advancement stream will be open to Canadian non-profit corporations with a primary mandate in the Canadian screen-based sector. Applicants may be single organizations only and funding may be used over an 18-month period at the discretion of the successful applicant. Project intake for this stream will open on July 3 and close on July 10, 2026.  

View the Organizational Advancement stream guidelines and evaluation criteria

Preview the stream’s activity proposal

Consult the Guidelines Companion to the Sector Development Support Program

Webcasts 

CMF Industry Development staff will host webcasts to provide more information about these changes and address industry inquiries on the following dates:  

• English: May 12 at 1 p.m. ET

• French: May 13 at 1 p.m. ET

The webcasts will be by invitation only. You may request an invitation by sending an email to [email protected].

About the process 

In June 2025, our Industry Development team (formerly known as Growth and Inclusion) announced its most extensive consultation process to date. The multi-phased engagement was designed to better understand the needs and opportunities of Canada’s dynamic screen industry and to help guide the next phase of the program. More than 200 individuals and organizations from coast to coast to coast shared insights on what’s working, where gaps remain, and how the Sector Development Support program can evolve to better support sector growth. 

Through a national survey, as well as virtual and in-person working group sessions, several recurring themes emerged. What we heard was the need for: 

• Practical training in business affairs, legal matters, and strategic planning at all career stages.

• Market access as a critical component for all creatives, with disparities in access and inclusion in regional areas.

• Better access and support for Interactive Digital Media creators.

• Organizational funding (beyond project-based grants) to ensure stability, competitiveness, and sustainability, particularly for small organizations led by and for Indigenous and Equity-Deserving communities.

• Clearer pathways from program completion to employment.

• Simplified CMF application process.

Thank you to communities across Canada for participating in the consultation and for their vital feedback and input into updating the CMF’s Sector Development Support program.  

Launched the 2019–2020, the CMF’s Sector Development Support program is a cornerstone of our three year All In Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility strategy. Informed by community feedback and ongoing collaboration, the program offers funding to industry activities that demonstrate the potential to positively impact Canada’s audiovisual ecosystem and address industry gaps in distinct and identified areas. Sector Development Support funding is awarded on a selective basis and juried by a team of CMF staff and external advisors, including members of Indigenous, Equity-Deserving, and/or Regional communities.  

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 voices, 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.  

Media Contact 

Maxime Ruel 
Senior Manager, Communications 
[email protected]