OTTAWA – Canada’s longest-running one-hour drama, Heartland, has spurred $469 million in economic activity over its first ten seasons, says a new study released by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA).
The study, available here, determined that the Alberta-based production contributed $351 million to Canada’s GDP and generated $469 million in economic output. Over that same period, it created the equivalent of more than 4,500 jobs in Alberta.
Heartland is a multi-generational saga, focusing on two sisters and their grandfather, who are struggling to overcome the challenges of running a family ranch. Produced and developed by independent production companies Seven24 Films and Dynamo Films, the series debuted on CBC in 2007, and season 11 premiered September 24. New episodes air Sunday nights on CBC.
In addition to the cumulative numbers from the show’s first ten seasons, the study also examined the economic impact generated from a single season of the series. An analysis of Heartland season nine determined that each dollar of federal government incentives generated $11.70 in GDP and $15.70 in total economic output. Production of season nine also led to the engagement of more than 1,400 vendors from 47 communities across Alberta.
“Entering its eleventh season, Heartland has clearly established itself as one of Canada’s most cherished television series,” said CMPA president and CEO Reynolds Mastin, in the study’s news release. “What is truly impressive to me, however, is seeing the huge economic impact that strong Canadian content can have on the ground where it is produced.”
