GOVERNMENT MUST WORK WITH PARTNERS TO GROW FILM/TV INDUSTRY

QUEEN’S PARK – Today in Question Period, Ontario PC Deputy Leader Steve Clark (Leeds-Grenville) called on the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport to work with Ontario’s film and television sector on a multi-year plan to ensure the industry reaches its full potential.
Clark, who serves as Official Opposition Critic for Tourism, Culture and Sport, also sought confirmation Thursday’s budget won’t contain further cuts to the Production Services Tax Credit and Computer Animation and Special Effects Tax Credit.

“We can’t have this uncertainty every year – there’s too much competition and the industry is too mobile,” said Clark. “There won’t be more directors saying, ‘Action,’ in Ontario if producers are afraid the government will shout, ‘Cut’ again.”
Clark noted last year’s budget cuts to the film and production tax credits will cost Ontario $60.3 million in lost revenue from foreign film shoots locating elsewhere.
He said Ontario is well-positioned to become the premiere location outside of California for film and TV productions. This would provide a tremendous boost to the province’s economy from an industry that already generates $1.29 billion annually and supports 31,000 jobs.
“Last week’s B.C. budget reaffirmed support for film tax credits and the government committed to establishing a working relationship with the industry. That level of support and the stability it creates gets attention from producers,” stressed Clark.
“Meanwhile, questions about the tax credit’s future in Ontario remain the No. 1 obstacle to recruiting new productions.”
Clark said Ontario PCs value the province’s film and television sector and recognize the potential our creative economy holds to produce employment for future generations of talented Ontarians.
“It’s time for the government to bring partners like Film Ontario to the table to develop a long-range plan to provide the stability the industry is seeking in order to create those jobs,” said Clark.