[LabComm] James calls on Premier to implement plan to sustain and grow BC film industry

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

James calls on Premier to implement plan to sustain and grow BC film industry

NDP Leader outlines steps to secure jobs, promote investment and develop inter-provincial cooperation

VANCOUVER - Premier Gordon Campbell must implement an immediate plan to sustain and grow BC's film industry, BC NDP Leader Carole James said today, and she outlined a way for the Premier to do it.

"By dragging their heels on moving to support the film industry we see that, once again, the Campbell Liberals have put good jobs that support families at risk," said James.

The film industry is one of BC's most important.  According to the BC Film Commission, in 2003 the film and television industry spent over $1.4 billion, employing about 30,000 British Columbians.

"The families this economy supports can't afford to wait," James said. "Government must partner with BC's film industry in this highly competitive market. At the same time, we must move towards a more sustainable model for further industry development. My plan would ensure BC moves in that direction."

James said the Finance Minister, Collin Hansen, should take immediate steps to provide stability and competitiveness for BC's film industry and she outlined the following plan:

- A lift in the film tax credit from 11 to 18 per cent for foreign-made films and to 30 per cent for domestic productions at a cost of approximately $30 million per year.

- A $5 million lift in equity financing managed through BC Film to enhance the availability of financing for BC productions and to leverage federal dollars through programs like Telefilm Canada.

- An $800,000 lift to BC Film's annual budget to help it better serve the industry and build domestic capacity.  The lift would restore the Campbell government's cut to BC Film, bringing its budget back to $3 million.

James said the total cost of the proposed initiatives would be offset by increased jobs and economic activity. 

"By taking these steps, BC will ensure that jobs and film productions stay in BC and that we are in a strong position to attract new productions," said James.  "If we fail to act, thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and the future of one of BC's most important industries is threatened.

"The NDP plan would secure jobs, leverage new investment, bolster our indigenous film industry, and encourage provincial cooperation towards a comprehensive national film strategy." 

James said that in addition to maintaining a competitive environment, it's critical that provinces work together to develop a comprehensive inter-provincial film strategy to ensure that industry growth in one province doesn't come at the expense of another.

"A competitive tax and incentive structure is only the first step towards a comprehensive film strategy for BC and the rest of the country," said James.  "That's why I am also proposing that provinces with growing film industries work with the federal government on a national film strategy to ensure that competitive decisions are informed and take into account national needs."

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