* Susan Bower, former COO at Vision TV's group of channels, has been appointed to the new position of executive director of policy, research and strategic development.

Among her contributions in the 12 years she's been with the company, Bower played a key role in securing licences for three new digital channels.

Acclaimed author, broadcaster and educator Irshad Manji has been appointed executive producer for Vision's new Category 1 service ONE: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel. Before joining ONE, Manji was the producer and presenter of Citytv's QT-QueerTelevision.

* Cinar Studio head Francois Deschamps has left the company to join Montreal's Covitec/Technicolor as VP operations, post-production services.

* Peter O'Neill has been appointed creative director for Toronto animation house Loop Media.

Communications specialist Jennifer Philbrook has been appointed Loop's business development representative.

* * *

Daniel Lussier, a musician and producer with Montreal's Studio Impact, active for many years in commercial film production, notably with La Fabrique d'Images, has passed away at the age of 45. He leaves behind his wife Magalie Bouchereau and two children.