Heritage minister drafts advisory panel to help her consider sweeping changes to cultural policy

The federal government has appointed a broad group of experts to help in its review of cultural policies. According to a story from the Globe and Mail, the group of a dozen will meet soon and hold a series of six workshops across the country in the fall as well as holding five meetings with Canadian Heritage minister Mélanie Joly. 

Many members of the "sounding board" are drawn from television, radio and film. One most relevant to the magazine industry is Ken Whyte, the senior vice-president of public policy for Rogers Communications, previously in charge of all Rogers magazine properties and former publisher and editor of Maclean's. The remainder of the panel are:

• Rob Blackie, a producer whose credits include the CBC TV series Republic of Doyle
• Katie Boland, an actor, writer and producer
• Catherine Cano, chief executive officer of public affairs channel CPAC
• Loc Dao, chief digital officer at the National Film Board
• Lisa de Wilde, CEO of public broadcaster TVO
• Michael Donovan, executive chairman of DHX Media Ltd.
• Charles Falzon, dean of Ryerson University’s faculty of communication and design
• Philippe Lamarre, owner of production house Urbania Media
• Jean La Rose, CEO of Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
• Monique Savoie, president and artistic director of Société des Arts Technologique
• Justin West, founder and president of Secret City Records

"The advisory group’s mandate gives few clues as to which issues will be at the forefront of the consultations," the story says, "but helps map an ambitious process that is expected to stretch into next year. The group has no decision-making power, placing final say squarely in the hands of Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly, and there is no expectation that the group members will draft a formal report."

• Kate Taylor: Cultural policy review is long on intentions, short on planning (Globe and Mail)