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CFTPA reacts to Budget 2006

In keeping with the priorities outlined in the Conservative election campaign, Budget 2006 focuses on accountability, families, and crime and security. Except for the $50 million over two years, allocated to the Canada Council for the Arts, the budgets primary focus is on broad-based tax relief aimed at stimulating the economy, with no further mention of cultural industries.

Under the heading of accountability Finance Minister James Flaherty promises to get runaway spending under control and will base program reviews on the following three principles:
• government programs should focus on results and value for money;
• government programs must be consistent with federal responsibilities; and
• programs that no longer serve the purpose for which they were created should be eliminated.
There are no further details in the budget that indicate from which programs the $1 billion over 2006-07 and 2007-08 will be found in order to balance the budget.

“We are disappointed that cultural industries have been ignored by the government this time around. This is a pragmatic first budget that addresses the priorities of a new minority government. Going forward, the CFTPA is committed to continuing to work very closely with this Government to ensure that there is enhanced stable funding for the film, television and new media industry and a strengthened funding environment for production companies” said Guy Mayson, President and CEO, CFTPA.

The CFTPA is a non-profit, trade association representing almost 400 companies 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.

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For more information on this, please contact:

Jeff Brinton
Director of Communications and Media
Canadian Film and Television Production Association