Canadian Heritage’s Drew Olsen (pictured) has been appointed as vice-chair and CEO of the Copyright Board of Canada for a five-year term.

Olsen assumes the role on Aug. 26, which will see him supervise and direct the work of the Board.

The position was previously held by Nathalie Théberge, who assumed the position of vice-chairperson of broadcasting at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in April.

Olsen is currently the associate director general of the audiovisual branch of Canadian Heritage, and has held several leadership positions during his near-decade tenure with the government. He spent close to two years at the CRTC, where he worked as director of ownership and acquisitions.

The Copyright Board is a regulator and tribunal that operates independently from the government, establishing copyright tariffs and licences. Its activities are reported through the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne.

The Board is in the midst of a modernization process to overhaul its policies and processes, entering phase two last May.

“At a time when Canadian artists are exploring and questioning the complex issues of copyright, visionary and experienced leadership is crucial,” said Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge in a statement. “Drew Olsen’s extensive expertise will be an invaluable asset in ensuring a fair and dynamic copyright market that supports the country’s creative economy.”

Image courtesy of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry