Former CBC/Radio-Canada executive Sylvain Lafrance has been appointed by the Governor in Council as the new chairperson of Telefilm Canada. 

Lafrance begins the five-year term on Thursday (May 9), succeeding former chairperson Robert Spickler, who ended his term on Wednesday (May 8).

The news was announced Wednesday by Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge.

With a career that includes more than three decades at CBC/Radio-Canada, Lafrance has extensive experience in media management and communications, including serving as EVP, French Services, where he led the integration of radio, television and Internet services. Under his leadership, CBC/Radio-Canada launched projects such as the Tou.TV platform. 

Lafrance is also the director of the journal Gestion, a quarterly publication on major trends in the management world, and chairs the board of directors of TV5 Numérique. (He will step down from this role once a replacement is appointed.)

Prior to CBC/Radio-Canada, Lafrance chaired the Communauté des radios francophones publiques and was a member of TV5Monde’s board of directors. He is a member of the Order of Canada, a Knight of the Ordre de la Pléiade, a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters and a Knight of the French Legion of Honour.

“Telefilm Canada plays a vital role in ensuring the success of Canada’s audiovisual industry,” said St-Onge in a statement. “With his expertise in media management and his significant contribution to digital innovation, Sylvain Lafrance is perfectly positioned to boost Telefilm Canada’s efforts to promote and develop the Canadian audiovisual sector.”

Photo by Caroline Bergeron