Dear Editor:
On July 3, MLA Jane Thornthwaite made a statement in the legislature about the opening of the seventh sound stage at Burnaby's Bridge Studios. She went on to talk about the direct and indirect benefits the film industry brings to local businesses when Lions Gate (North Shore) Studios has projects in production.
What she failed to note was the B.C. film industry's downward spiral resulting from her Liberal government's failure to keep film tax credits competitive with Ontario and Quebec, a move which Ms. Thornthwaite's own statement indicates would spur more economic activity by employing film and TV workers and suppliers in small, local businesses.
From 2011 to 2012, B.C. lost 3,500 direct and spinoff jobs in this industry. The head of North Shore Studios announced 2013's first quarter as his "worst ever." Meanwhile, Ontario gained almost 8,000 new jobs in film since raising their tax credit.
The B.C. NDP promised to increase the film and television tax credit last April, a promise that industry leaders praised as a move that would keep our province competitive so highly skilled film workers could stay in B.C. instead of chasing jobs that are fleeing our province.
Why hasn't Ms. Thornthwaite pushed her own Liberal government to take this needed action while
there's still time to protect B.C. film, TV and related jobs?
George Heyman, NDP MLA for Vancouver-Fairview
