The promise of Canadian creativity

our collective consciousness.

The impact of such visionary leadership and a desire to resist the expected path is evident in the creative ethos that continues to propel Canadian talent – both here, at home, and on the global front.

The urge to constantly evolve and innovate is helping craft better agency partners. This is evident in our annual Agency A-List supplement (pg. 37), a spotlight on Canada’s winningest agencies, which are challenging industry norms to better meet clients’ evolving business needs. From helping brands stay relevant by stepping outside the “advertising bubble”, to connecting with audiences through purposeful investment, these agencies are carving out a new space.

This issue, we also dive into what’s driving change across the retail landscape, from our cover story on the forces shaping shifts in shopping (Future of Retail, pg. 16) to next-level sustainable packaging solutions (pg. 12).

As we recognize the power of our marketing media investment, in tandem with our messaging’s power to persuade, the recentlylaunched 2023 Media Innovation Awards introduces a new category this year: Planning with Purpose. The goal is to celebrate the media programs that embody inclusivity and sustainability.

On the leadership front, we’re looking for nominations to help identify this year’s Media Leader of the Year. We want to know who set the bar high and spearheaded change for a better, stronger media ecosystem – and then some.

THE IMPACT OF SUCH VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND A DESIRE TO RESIST THE EXPECTED PATH IS EVIDENT IN THE CREATIVE ETHOS THAT CONTINUES TO PROPEL CANADIAN TALENT – BOTH HERE AT HOME AND ON THE GLOBAL FRONT.

On the CMO side of that equation, we’re also looking for Brand of the Year and Marketer of the Year nominations. So, let us know who rose above the competition this year.

And please join us on October 2 for our annual CMO summit for frank discussions on the pressing issues facing Canadian brands, and a deepdive into the opportunities ahead.

Also mark your calendars to connect and celebrate with the industry at our annual Agency of the Year gala, which returns November 2, as well as the MIAs gala on November 29.

As we continue to plan ahead, we want your feedback, so let us know if you want to see new coverage areas, or more or less of anything.

And, as Canadians descend into the South of France (at press time), we’re eager to continue to shine a bright light on just how far Canadian creativity has come on the global stage at Cannes Lions.

Until then, cheers.

Lisa Faktor, publisher, strategy

P.S. Send your Media Leader of the Year, Brand of the Year and Marketer of the Year nominations to special reports and c-suite editor, Sheima Benembarek, at sbenembarek@brunico.com any time in July.