OTTAWA and TORONTO – Reaction to Monday’s federal budget was seemingly unanimous across the industry as stakeholders offered a resounding thumbs-up to the government’s renewed commitment to the Canada Media Fund and the country’s national broadcaster.
The government recommitted $100 million per year in on-going funding to the Canada Media Fund (CMF), plus a one-time injection of $60 million in funding to CBC/Radio-Canada for the production of Canadian programming. These two measures were originally introduced in the March 22nd budget, but died on the order paper when the election was called.
"This is great news for Canadian programming on all platforms and for our partners in the creative community," said Hubert T. Lacroix, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, in a statement. "The continued stability in funding is crucial to pursuing the implementation of our five-year strategy 2015: Everyone, Every way and its promise of a deeper relationship between the public broadcaster and Canadians.”
“Independent producers and broadcasters can now plan well into the future,” said Norm Bolen, president and CEO of Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA). “The CMF and CBC/Radio-Canada will play a crucial role in the future of Canada’s screen-based industry. More Canadian production also means more Canadian jobs.”
The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) said that making the CMF permanent will bring “increased stability and confidence to the sector”.
“We welcome the government’s recognition of the crucial role this public-private partnership plays as a catalyst for quality Canadian programming on multiple platforms”, said WGC executive director Maureen Parker. “National and international success stories like Rookie Blue, Flashpoint, Murdoch Mysteries, Heartland and many more would not have been possible without the CMF.”
The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) echoed Parker’s sentiments.
“Extending the CMF is a good first step for our industry”, said national president Ferne Downey. “There’s a lot more the government can do to harness the full job-generating potential of our industry and we are committed to working with the government for the next four years to do as much as we can together.”
The budget is expected to pass within the next few weeks.
– Lesley Hunter
