The Focus on Canada at MIPCOM is to include Quebecor Inc. president and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau and Bell Canada residential services and chief brand officer and Bell Mobility president Wade Oosterman delivering keynote addresses on the future of TV programming in an expanding digital market.

The announcement follows industry opposition to Bell Canada acquiring Astral Media, led by Quebecor Inc., and ahead of the CRTC’s public hearing into the Bell-Astral deal, which will examine the amalgamated market share if the deal is approved.

Péladeau, who was named Quebecor president and CEO after spearheading the acquisition of Sun Media Corporation in 1998, on Monday Oct. 8 will discuss how to ensure the success of TV programming in the context of a global digital market, while Oosterman will discuss Bell’s strategy to deliver content on all screens.

The MIPCOM Focus on Canada, which will feature conference speakers, screening and talent showcases and business matchmaking events, was first unveiled in July, and will act as a push for Canadian producers to build international business relationships, production partnerships and audience awareness.

The industry spotlight will also include case studies and a presentation called Fresh TV from Canada hosted by TV research agency The WIT CEO Virginia Mouseler, CEO of TV research agency The WIT.

Other Canadian speakers at the Cannes event include Shaftesbury/Smokebomb Entertainment VP digital and creative director Jay Bennett; Teletoon programming VP Carole Bonneau; Cineflix Productions creative director Rob Carley; 9 Story Entertainment president and CEO Vince Commisso; Rogers Broadcasting EVP TV programming and operations Malcolm Dunlop and VP and head of Nelvana Studio Irene Weibel.