Finance minister announces new fund to replace film tax credit

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Finance and Treasury Board Minister Diana Whalen announced a new film and television industry fund that will replace a film tax credit, after a meeting with the film and television industry April 23.

Finance Minister Diana Whalen delivers the provincial budget at the Nova Scotia Legislature on April 9. Under the Program Review, she says the government will become more efficient, starting with wage freezes, job cuts in the public service, the elimination of the Department of Rural and Economic Development in favour of a new Department of Business. JOHN BRANNEN – TC MEDIA.

The proposed Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund is modelled after a successful program in Alberta.

"We have said all along that we value this industry and want to see it remain in Nova Scotia," said Whalen. "I am pleased we have been able to work together to find common ground that respects the fiscal challenges facing Nova Scotia and also supports the film and television production industry in the province. The proposed arrangement stays within the fiscal plan announced on budget day."

The new program would fund 25 per cent of eligible Nova Scotia costs. Meeting certain conditions could raise that to 30 per cent. The new fund would be transparent and competitive with the rest of Canada.

Screen Nova Scotia thanked the government for its willingness to listen to those in the film industry. 

"It’s important for us to state that this is not a deal or formal agreement," read a statement from the board. "It’s an acknowledgement that government needs to change the way film incentives work. The new proposal on the table is not perfect; and many details still need to be worked out.  But the broad contours of the deal should allow the Nova Scotia film industry to remain competitive with other jurisdictions."

The board of Screen Nova Scotia also noted that the changes enable the film community to get back to work, while discussions on the future continue with government.  

Government will also establish a Creative Economy Fund to support the publishing and music and sound-recording sectors. Fund criteria will be designed in consultation with the sectors.

The Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund will be effective July 1 and administered by Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Talks with the animation industry continue.

For more information, visit www.novascotia.ca/finance .

Organizations: Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund, Creative Economy Fund, Nova Scotia Business

Geographic location: Nova Scotia, Alberta, Canada

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