Over $11.5 million in provincial film subsidies in 2008-09
CTF renews call to phase-out the subsidy
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released details today on $11.5 million of film subsidies for 2008-09. The subsidies were handed out through the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit (SFETC), a program that pays up to 55 per cent of the labour costs for producing films in the province.
“Governments shouldn’t pick industries to subsidize, they should reduce taxes overall to help all businesses and taxpayers," said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. "Some will suggest there are benefits from the credit, and there is no doubt that corporate welfare benefits some, but it comes at the expense of others. It shouldn't be the government's job to pick winners and losers."
The CTF renewed its call to phase-out the program, especially as the government aims to tackle its massive deficit.
"No other industry can get 55 per cent of their labour costs paid for by the government," added Craig. "This program needs to be archived."
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