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The Toronto Film Board (TFB) is
calling on all Federal Party Leaders to develop a comprehensive
economic strategy for Canada’s screen-based industries. In an
open letter, Co-Chairs Susan Murdoch and City Councillor/Budget
Chief Shelley Carroll have asked all parties to address the
growth of the national film, television and interactive media
industries that together generated $4.97 billion in direct
spending in the Canadian economy last year. More than 125,000
Canadians - 43,000 in Ontario - make their living from this
green industry.
The TFB points out that: "The economy of the 21st century is
based on creativity and the screen-based industries are at the
heart of a creative economy." Further, the letter indicates that
federal government policies and mechanisms such as tax credits
and film funding, international marketing and pro-Canadian
broadcast regulation will "attract substantial private
investment, create new jobs and result in significant economic
multipliers."
"I am tremendously proud of our screen-based and other creative
industries in Toronto," said Mayor David Miller. "Investing in
them is to invest in the economic future of our city and our
country. The Toronto Film Board is a model of industry and
municipal government working together to develop policies that
bolster the climate for doing business instead of impeding it. I
know leaders and candidates in the current federal election will
want to join us in growing a diverse and creative economy for
our city and our country."
The global market for screen-based industries is estimated at
more than $300 billion. The combined annual growth rate is
almost 6 per cent with video gaming leading the way at 11 per
cent.
The TFB was created by Mayor David Miller in 2004 to advise the
Toronto government as to policies and best practices that need
to be protected and implemented in order for Toronto to remain a
globally competitive leader in screen-based content creation.
The TFB is Co-Chaired by both an industry leader and a City
Councillor designated by the Mayor and comprised of industry
leaders, entrepreneurs, and union and guild leaders.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government,
and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It
is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and
most creative cities in North America. In the past three years,
Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and
efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government
is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all
its residents.
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