The film and television industry in New Brunswick was punched in the gut recently by the new Conservative government of David Alward. As of March 22, the NBFilm Tax credit has been removed, along with development loans and equity investment. Promotional Travel Assistance and partnering with the NB Film Coop on the Short Film Ventures Program will continue. How ironic, though, that our government will put some money into helping emerging filmmakers with the Ventures program, while, at the same time, killing the industry.
Opposition to the axing of the Tax Credit came fast and from all corners of the province. Mr Donald Arseneault, Liberal MLA for Dalhousie-Restigouche East, is actively pursuing the issue on behalf of those whose livelihoods are already affected. Many in the industry (and related jobs) must consider leaving New Brunswick to keep working.
This bid to help lower the budget will lose much more money for public bank accounts in the long term than it will save in the short term. According to the “Save the NB Tax Credit” online petition, for every dollar invested by the provincial government in the industry, the economy gets $12 added over the long term.
To redirect the industry (or to pacify the opposition), the provincial government has promised to invest in another type of tax credit, related to new media but so far only announced in general terms. Thus many production companies are floating in limbo, not sure whether to continue with plans to move or to wait to see exactly what investments and credits will come.
It’s a sad and stressful time for New Brunswick production companies and related workers.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/04/08/nb-filmmaker-protest-0408.html
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