About Us

Raj Shoan is a policy consultant and lawyer with broad experience in communications law and regulatory affairs. He has served at the CRTC in a variety of capacities over his lengthy career, including Senior Policy Analyst, Legal Counsel, Senior Advisor and the CRTC Ontario Commissioner. Prior to managing his own consulting firm, Raj served as Director of Regulatory Affairs for both CBC/Radio-Canada and Astral Media Radio Inc., as well as Legal Counsel with Industry Canada and General Counsel for ACTRA. Presently, Raj serves as Regulatory and Privacy Counsel in the communications sector.

Ani Hotoyan-Joly is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant and has the ICD.D designation from Institute of Corporate Directors.  She is a member of the Board of Directors of Women’s College Hospital, a member of the Executive Board of Armenian Relief Society of Canada, and she is the Vice Chair of the Community Services Sector Audit Committee for the Province of Ontario. As a member of the board for Friends of Canadian Media, she chairs the Audit Committee. 

Kelly Lynne Ashton is a Policy and Research Consultant. She has worked in the Canadian film, television and digital media industries as a business affairs executive in television production companies, as a producer at a children’s web studio, as manager of an online youth research company and in government relations and media policy for a talent union. Kelly Lynne is currently bringing together the different strands of her career in the Canadian cultural industries – legal, business, regulatory policy, marketing, and research – to providing consulting services to clients. She has authored several public and internal research papers covering the film, television, interactive digital media and performing arts sectors. Her most recent research work has been the ‘Being Seen’ reports on authenticity and inclusion in the screen industries. As a multi-racial Canadian, diversity and inclusion are a priority in her work, and she brings that lens to everything. 

Brenda Baker is a writer, performer, and creativity coach from Saskatoon, who holds a BFA in visual art and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. She has worked as an arts journalist for CBC Radio Saskatchewan and served on the boards of Access Copyright and the Saskatchewan Writers Guild. Since 2005 Brenda has been the Founding Director of Kids of Note, Saskatoon’s hit choirs for children of all abilities. 

Angela Byrne is an Independent Board Member and trusted Advisor and Consultant to boards of directors, C-Suite, and senior government officials across sectors dedicated to safeguarding and advancing public interests. Specializing in finance, risk, and technology throughout her 30-plus year career, Angela has had the privilege of closely working with organizations at the forefront of change. Her insights have proven invaluable in navigating complex landscapes in government, finance, regulators, and charities. Angela is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and holds certifications in governance, information systems auditing, risk management assurance, and internal audit. Since the year 2000, Angela has been the President of Angela Byrne Consulting, a reputable firm committed to collaborating with organizations to effectively navigate risks and realize strategic objectives.

Scot Keith is the founder and President/CEO of One Twenty-Three West (123w), an idea and design collective based in Vancouver and Toronto which won Canada’s Small Agency of the Year award in 2020. Scot has helped lead campaigns that have won or been nominated for over 500 awards, including Hockey Canada’s “Relax, it’s just a Game” which was featured on Oprah. He has spoken all over the world, including the Cannes International Festival of Creativity. 

Ethan Rabidoux is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, and communicator. A former military man and politician, Ethan earned his BA (Honours) from Queen’s University and his MA in Journalism from Western University. In 2005, students at Queen’s elected him President and C.E.O. of the Alma Mater Society. He won the Dalton Camp Award in 2010, which began his long association with Friends of Canadian Media. He lives with his beloved wife and two wonderful sons in rural Southwestern Ontario. 

Janet Ramcharitar is an experienced Senior HR Executive specializing in global talent management, diversity, equity, and inclusion and organizational transformation. Currently, as Vice President of Global Talent at Altus Group, she has led significant advancements in performance management, DEI and leadership development leveraging a broad spectrum of strategies including AI integration. Her career includes impactful roles at ACCO Brands and Coca-Cola Refreshments, where she has driven talent alignment with business objectives, led comprehensive DEI strategies, and managed high-profile change management initiatives.  Janet’s approach is anchored in fostering inclusive cultures that inspire creativity and engagement.  Holding an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability, she is recognized for her ability to merge strategic HR practices with sustainable business growth. 

Gregory Taylor is an associate professor in the University of Calgary’s Department of Communication, Media, and Film, where his teaching and research focuses on the politics and economics of the Canadian broadcasting and wireless industries. His first book, Shut Off: The Canadian Digital Television Transition (McGill-Queen’s, 2013), was shortlisted for the 2014 Donner Prize for Best Public Policy Book by a Canadian. Gregory received his PhD from McGill University in 2010.