Concerns about Protecting the National Film Board's Mandate

MONTREAL, Oct. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Syndicat général du cinéma et de la télévision (General Union of Film and Television Workers – SGCT–CUPE 4835) is concerned that discussions about the future of our audiovisual cultural institutions are being held behind closed doors. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, has announced the composition of an advisory panel on support for Canada's audiovisual sector. The panel is tasked with providing recommendations this fall regarding the potential merger of the National Film Board of Canada, Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund.

"The NFB's mandate is sacrosanct. Period. Not only does the Board produce, distribute and preserve its works, but it also serves as a laboratory for creativity and innovation within the audiovisual ecosystem. The force that binds these three pillars of Canadian audiovisual culture together is, in large part, the invaluable contribution of unionized staff working alongside industry stakeholders, --foremost among them, the creators themselves. Amidst existential threats to Canadian sovereignty, the union will not hesitate to mobilize all its allies to protect the integrity of the NFB's mandate, ensuring that Canadian culture continues to flourish and the NFB pursues its unique mission," added Olivier Lamothe, president of SGCT–CUPE 4835.

CUPE deplores the fact that that advisory panel members were required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, shutting out directly affected stakeholders. It should be noted that for several years, SGCT-CUPE 4835 has been actively campaigning for increased and sustainable funding for the NFB, whose budget has not been indexed to inflation since 2002, with an estimated minimum loss of $16.6 million. Without a sufficient and recurring increase in its budget, the NFB risks compromising its in-house expertise, which is inseparable from its ability to support creation, foster innovation and engage with the audiovisual industry.

CUPE is the largest union in Canada, with over 800,000 members working in health care, education, universities, municipalities, libraries, social services, public services, ground and air transportation, emergency services and communications.

SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (FTQ)

Alexandre Prégent, CUPE union representative, 514-222-8106 [email protected]; Alexa Lachaine, CUPE Communications Department, 819-440-7880, [email protected]