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Producers accept Manley & Copps' CTF offer

While it is half of what they were asking for, Canadian independent producers are welcoming the $12.5-million dollars John Manley and Sheila Copps are willing to forward to the Canadian Television Fund. The money however is not new, and will in fact be borrowed from the funding agency’s 2004-2005 budget.

The announcement was made earlier today by the Minister of Finance, and follows a concerted lobbying effort by producers, actors, writers, directors and broadcasters to restore the $25-million which was cut in February’s federal budget. The short-term measure is seen as a positive sign even though what producers have consistently fought for is long-term stability in funding Canadian content television programs.

“This move shows the government does listen, and I believe Mr. Manley is beginning to realize the financial complexities our industry faces when it comes to making Canadian-themed shows,” said Elizabeth McDonald, president and CEO of the Canadian Film and Television Production Association. The $25-million cut was expected to lead to significant job losses, 350 fewer hours of programming and cost over $170-million in production activity. The government’s manoeuvre may help alleviate some of the negative impact.

“This industry needs long-term, permanent solutions for funding CanCon in an efficient manner,” said Julia Keatley, CFTPA chair and executive producer of Cold Squad. “We will continue the fight for more money for next year, and we will be formulating our own suggestions to improve the way Canadian shows are financed.”

The CFTPA is a non-profit, trade association representing almost 400 companies involved in the Canadian production industry. The association promotes the general interests of Canadian producers by lobbying government on policy matters, negotiating labour agreements, and offering mentorship programs and copyright initiatives.

For more information on this, please contact:

Jane L. Thompson
Director of Communications
Canadian Film and Television Production Association

Tel: 613 233 1444 ext 227