Panel

Leveraging Culture to Strengthen Canada's Global Power

DATE

Apr 18, 2026

START TIME

10:50 a.m.

END TIME

11:50 a.m.

LOCATION

OCAD U Main Campus

Kevin Desjardins

President of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters

Francesca Accinelli

Chief Program Officer, Telefilm Canada

Andrew Addison

Senior Vice President of Communications & Member Services, Canadian Media Producers Association

Damon D’Oliveira

Producer, Conquering Lion Pictures

Kerry Swanson

Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Screen Office (ISO)

Rod Butler

Vice-President, Content & Regulatory, Canada Media Fund

This panel considers how middle powers—Canada included—can deploy cultural assets, creative industries and narrative leadership as strategic levers in a world shaped by geopolitical fragmentation, digital disruption and intensifying soft power competition.

Presented by: Friends of Canadian Media