Talent Advisory Committee

The ICA launches national Talent Charter and Talent Advisory Committee to strengthen the future of Canada’s agency sector

The ICA launched its ICA Talent Charter in March 2026, a bold, industry-wide commitment to invest in people as the foundation of creativity, effectiveness, and long-term growth.

Developed by the ICA’s Talent Advisory Committee, the Charter sets out a clear vision for making Canada’s agency sector one of the best places in the world to build a creative career — one that is inclusive, future-ready, and competitive on a global stage.

Members of the ICA’s Talent Advisory Committee are:

• Chair: Eve Rémillard Larose, Board Director @ ICA
• Lindsey Feasby, SVP, Director of HR @ McCann
• Sue Jackman, EVP, Marketing & Growth @ Citizen Relations
• Emily Joannisse, Executive Director, Talent & Operations @ Pigeon
• Yee Makowich, SVP, Talent @ Plus Company
• Joline Matika, SVP, People & Operations @ Broken Heart Love Affair & Lifelong Crush
• Stephanie McRae, Co-Chief Talent Officer @ Publicis Groupe
• Ashley Vien, Manager, People & Culture @ LG2

Talent is not a pipeline to be filled — it is our greatest competitive advantage.

— Eve Rémillard-Larose, Committee Chair.

Canada’s creative industry is only as strong as the people who fuel it. This industry is beautiful, inspiring, and fun as hell, but it can also suck the wind right out of you. So this connected community made up of leaders who are driven by real action is intended to be an inspiring space to share challenges and ideas about the most important element of our industry – our people.  And it’s a wide-open door for leaders to bring their unique perspectives to make a meaningful impact, not just inside their agencies, but across the entire industry.

— Joline Matika, SVP of People and Operations at Broken Heart Love Affair & Lifelong Crush.

ICA Talent Charter

The Charter responds to mounting pressures facing the industry, including rapid technological change, evolving client expectations, and increasing competition for skilled talent. It outlines a shared commitment from ICA member agencies to attract new talent, develop future leaders, retain and support people at every stage of their careers, and rebuild pride in the industry.

Key commitments outlined in the Charter include:

• Establishing a national internship program to expand access and opportunity
• Creating structured leadership development and mentorship pathways
• Launching a People Leaders Network to share best practices across agencies
• Investing in AI training and business upskilling to future-proof the workforce
• Measuring progress through new benchmarks, including an Industry Net Promoter Score

The future of our industry depends on the people behind the work. When our people thrive, our agencies perform. And when our agencies perform, Canada wins.

— Eve Rémillard-Larose, Committee Chair.

The ICA Talent Charter will guide ICA programming, advocacy, and industry collaboration over the coming years.

View the ICA Talent Charter

To connect with the ICA’s Talent Advisory Committee or become part of the People Leaders Network for up to date initiatives, email scott@theica.ca.