It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of our dear friend and CMPA colleague, Tracey Friesen.

Tracey joined the association in January 2020 as the Managing Vice President of the CMPA BC Branch, and made an immediate impact with her deep experience, surefooted leadership, and optimistic outlook.

Tracey’s decades-long career in the media production sector was coloured by her longstanding commitment to social and environmental justice. For over a decade, she was a successful executive producer at the National Film Board and believed strongly in the power of documentary filmmaking to drive social change. In 2016, she published Story, Money, Impact: Funding Media for Social Change, a DIY guide for documentary producers focused on social change. And that book led to the founding of Story Money Impact, a charity that today continues to encourage courageous filmmakers who are driving systemic change.

Tracey was also passionate in her commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action, and was deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on future generations. Prior to joining the CMPA, Tracey was the Director of Communications and Engagement at the David Suzuki Foundation, and while at the CMPA, she championed many sustainability initiatives and was the inaugural staff lead on the CMPA’s Sustainability and Climate Action Committee.

“Tracey was a bright light for our organization. She was relentless in her belief in the power of media to drive positive social change, and as a leader, her optimism was truly infectious,” said Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO, CMPA. “She cared deeply about people and about the planet. And this is reflected in the impact she made throughout her career – as a producer at the NFB, as the founder of Story Money Impact, and as a champion of independent producers, leading the CMPA-BC Branch. She will be deeply, deeply missed.”

“It is a rare privilege to have known and worked with someone as vibrant, brilliant, and thoughtful as Tracey Friesen,” noted Liz Shorten, Chief Operating Officer, CMPA. “Over decades of friendship and professional collaboration, Tracey regularly inspired me with her passion for her work – particularly her dedication to environmental sustainability and climate action, as well as nurturing support for people, and her joyful love of life. We have lost someone very special.”

“Tracey had a deep, even spiritual, connection to British Columbia – both the land and its people. Drawing on this passion, she was an inspirational leader and strong advocate for BC’s independent producers, who was deeply engaged in her work, and extremely supportive of our CMPA-BC members,” added Trevor Hodgson, Chair of the CMPA-BC Branch Council.  

Over the coming weeks the CMPA will work with Tracey’s family, friends and colleagues on plans to honour her deep and lasting legacy.