DGC LAUDS FEDERAL BUDGET

Road map announces new funding for film & TV

Toronto – The Directors Guild of Canada issued the following statement regarding the 2021 Federal budget:

“With today’s budget, the Federal government has recognized the vital and accelerating role the film & television industry plays in Canada’s economic life. Over the last year, the government has provided crucial assistance and reassurance to creative workers and production companies in the form of emergency relief and short-term aid, but this budget helps set the stage for the future.

“The new budget highlights the government’s pledge to ensure that Canadian creators will continue to be able to tell their own stories in the years to come as we transition to new broadcast legislation. New funds, including revenue from a modest tax on internet giants to be introduced in 2022, will serve to expand the diversity of creative voices as well as overcome systemic barriers for historical underrepresented communities. This will be instrumental to achieve equity in our cultural sector.

“The budget’s three-year increase in funding to Telefilm, the CMF, and the Indigenous Screen Office demonstrates the government’s determination to provide long-term support allowing these organizations to adapt to the challenges created not only by the pandemic, but also the growing competition of an industry rapidly moving online.

“The DGC is looking forward to working with the government and public funders to determine how we can work together to craft programs that will forge a more resilient and inclusive industry with Canadian creatives at its core.”