Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced Tuesday the appointment of Drew Olsen as vice chair and CEO of the Copyright Board of Canada for a five-year term, starting Aug. 26.
In this position, Olsen will lead the work of the Copyright Board as well as supervise and direct board staff. He succeeds Nathalie Théberge, who was recently appointed as the CRTC’s vice chair of broadcasting for a five-year term that began in April.
Olsen is currently associate director general of the audiovisual branch at Canadian Heritage. While at the department, he has held other leadership positions, including deputy director general of the cultural industries branch, senior director of marketplace and legislative policy in the broadcasting, copyright and creative branch, and director of policy and legislation in the copyright and international trade policy branch.
He also worked previously at the CRTC as director of ownership and acquisitions, consumer affairs and strategic policy sector.
Olsen holds a Master of Arts in economics from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia.
“The Copyright Board of Canada plays a key role in Canada’s creative economy and requires strong and innovative leadership to ensure a well-functioning copyright market,” Champagne said in a statement. “I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Drew Olsen for his appointment as Vice-Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Copyright Board of Canada. His robust leadership experience and extensive knowledge in Canadian broadcasting, telecommunications and Internet policy development are valuable assets to the Board and to Canadians.”
Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge also congratulated Olsen on his appointment. “At a time when Canadian artists are exploring and questioning the complex issues of copyright, visionary and experience leadership is crucial,” St-Onge said in a statement. “Drew Olsen’s extensive experience will be an invaluable asset in ensuring a fair and dynamic copyright market that supports the country’s creative economy.”
Photo of Drew Olsen via Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
