OTTAWA – Representatives from the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) are on Parliament Hill this week in support of Canada’s film and television industry.
Referencing the CRTC’s ‘Let’s Talk TV’ consultation, ACTRA said that it is calling on Members of Parliament to support the call for more Canada on all screens – big, small and mobile. Its wish-list for this lobby trip includes:
- Nurture Canadian cultural sector jobs – support stories by, for, and about Canadians;
- Invest in the infrastructure of our industry and through long-term, stable investments in the CMF, Telefilm, the CBC and the NFB; and
- Initiate fair treatment for Canadian artists – sign and ratify the Beijing Treaty to give performers IP rights and the ability to protect their image; and implement equitable tax treatment.
“We’re meeting with MPs to discuss the role that our industry plays as part of the big picture,” said ACTRA national president Ferne Downey, in a statement. “Canadian culture and content is a vital part of our everyday life as Canadians. And it is playing an increasingly important role in our nation’s financial well-being, representing 7.4% of our GDP.”
Canadian actor Gordon Pinsent will be feted at a reception on Parliament Hill on Wednesday evening.
“We’re here to let MPs know Canadian culture contributes to both our economy and to our national identity,” Pinsent said. “This is about who we are as Canadians, from coast to coast. Our stories matter. They define us.”
