Canadian public broadcaster CBC announced that at least half of the episodes of some of its most popular scripted programs will be directed by women. The move reflects the ongoing discussion about gender parity — and lack thereof — in the film and television industry.

Women will now make up at least half of all episode directors on “Murdoch Mysteries,” “Heartland,” “This Life,” “Baroness Von Sketch Show,” and “Workin’ Moms.”

“I’m proud that CBC, in partnership with our producers, is the first Canadian broadcaster to take a proactive step forward to increase the number of women directing scripted television in this country,” said Heather Conway, CBC’s executive vice-president of English Services. “The talent, ideas, and experiences of female directors are essential to the creation of extraordinary content that is seen in Canada and around the world. We know that there is still much work to be done, and look forward to building on our commitment to improve gender equity and diversity in all areas.”

Earlier in the year, Women in View and the Directors Guild of Canada set sights on doubling the number of women directing scripted TV in Canada. They released a report last fall that noted “women are still a minority in the industry: representing only 17 per cent of directors, 22 per cent of writers, and 12 per cent of cinematographers.”

“This sends an important signal to the rest of the industry, both here at home and internationally, that Canada is once again leading the way by drawing on the full diversity of our abundant talent pool,” commented Rina Fraticelli, executive director, Women in View.