honorary Doctor of Letters from Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia. That same year, he was the recipient of York University's Tentanda Via Bryden Alumni Award. The Tentanda Via Award reflects York University's motto, “The Way Must Be Tried”. Controversy In February 2022 an internal audit revealed that under Buttignol's leadership only 1.7% of the Knowledge Network's $2.054 million pre-licence funding, over a seven year period, had been awarded to production companies owned by people of colour. Indigenous filmmakers meanwhile had received no funding. Buttignol stated that he had "major reservations" with the audit. Members of the IBPOC film community claimed that Buttignol's response "contributed to an increased distrust and lack of confidence from filmmakers of colour and other concerned British Columbians". A petition on Change.org was started calling for his replacement. On June 17, 2022, the Knowledge Network's Board released a statement that Buttignol's contract had been terminated and that a national search would begin to find his replacement. References External links 1951 births Canadian people of Italian descent Canadian television executives Living people People from Pordenone Businesspeople from Toronto Businesspeople from Vancouver York University alumni Members of the Order of Canada