Documentary Needed on Wasteful Film Subsidies

• Over $12.4 million in provincial film subsidies in 2009-10
• CTF renews call to phase-out the subsidies

WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released details today on $12.4 million in provincial film subsidies for 2009-10. The subsidies were handed out through the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit (SFETC), a program that gives film companies a taxpayer funded handout of up to 55 per cent of the labour costs for producing films in the province.

“Governments shouldn’t be subsidizing businesses, including film companies," said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. "If individual taxpayers want to help out the film industry, they can dig into their pockets and make a donation or purchase one of their products. In fact, leaving the money in taxpayers’ pockets is a much better way of stimulating the economy."
 
The CTF renewed its call to phase-out the program, especially in light of the government’s massive deficit. The cost of the credit is up to $12.4 million, up from $11.5 million in 2008-09. The top ten film subsidy recipients for 2009-10 were:   "If the government insists on subsidizing movies, at the very least they could fund one that documents taxpayer abuse,” added Craig. “Perhaps a film about a government that takes money from a struggling family or business and gives it to film companies." To view the full list of recipients click here (PDF).

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Canadian Taxpayers Federation