The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has delayed the announcement of its 2025-2026 program budget, broadcaster envelope allocations and guidelines. The release date will be announced at a later time.

The delay is attributed to the ongoing federal election and the caretaker convention, which holds that during the election period the government is tasked with exercising restraint as parliament has been dissolved and the current government cannot assume that it will remain in power. The convention holds until a new government is sworn in or the incumbent is re-elected.

For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the CMF announced $357 million in funding for Canadian television and digital media, compared to roughly $366 million in 2023-24.

Last November, many screen sector stakeholders pushed for increased CMF funding in open letters ahead of the Fall Economic Statement.

The CRTC has also delayed three hearings regarding Cancon and the modernization of the Broadcasting Act as a result of the election.

Prime Minister Mark Carney called an election on March 23, and Canadians will vote on April 28.

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