Government of Canada Partners

Canadian Heritage

Film & Video Policy and Programs Directorate

The Film and Video Directorate is responsible for the domestic policy related to official coproduction. As such, it monitors coproduction activity and assesses its impact on the Canadian Audiovisual Sector. The Directorate also provides input and policy advice regarding the Canadian audiovisual sector and industry to assist in the negotiation and administration of coproduction treaties.

Canadian Audiovisual Certification Office (CAVCO)

CAVCO is responsible for providing the Minister of Canadian Heritage with certification recommendations on productions that achieve Canadian content recognition according to a point and cost tests. In the case of Official Audiovisual Coproductions, this recommendation is based on Telefilm Canada's assessment as to whether a coproduction complies with treaty requirements.

Telefilm Canada

Telefilm Canada is a public cultural agency in the Canadian Heritage Portfolio. It assesses applications from producers and ensures they meet treaty requirements. More than thirty years of experience analyzing coproduction projects, as well as strong ties with various international cultural agencies, have placed Telefilm Canada in a position to provide invaluable help to producers with funding and legal arrangements for projects. Telefilm Canada also serves as an essential source of information on the Canadian market, its creators, and its infrastructure.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)

The Treaty Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) is a key federal partner on issues related to International Audiovisual Coproductions. It provides legal opinions on treaties and Canada's international legal obligations towards treaties, as well as providing pertinent information on the audiovisual industry and markets in partner countries.  The Treaty Section also prepares official documents such as Diplomatic Notes and Orders in Council for signature.

In January 2008, the Government of Canada announced a new policy governing the ratification of treaties by which all treaties must be tabled in the House of Commons prior to ratification.  Further information on Canada's treaty policy is available at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT)