Sask. boosts film grant by $2M
The Government of Saskatchewan is increasing the available grant for film and television production by 20 per cent in this year’s budget.
"These are investments that help drive sustainable economic growth in Saskatchewan and offer valuable experiences for residents and visitors," Parks, Culture and Sports Minister Laura Ross said in a government news release.
"Attracting television and film projects creates jobs, boosts economic activity, and showcases our beautiful province to people across Canada and around the world.”
The government said the Creative Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Production Grant will grow to $12 million.
It’s something the CEO of Creative Saskatchewan said they were pleased with.
“Productions are a multi-faceted endeavour, built around labour with the potential to create many new jobs, and have far-reaching impacts on local hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors,” Erin Dean said in a Creative Saskatchewan news release.
“This is estimated to result in a total of $55.8 million in positive economic outputs, and over 250 new jobs.”
Wavelength Entertainment producer Chris Tirffo said the investment sent the right message to those in the industry.
“This increased investment into Saskatchewan people and productions puts our money where our mouth is. It sends a strong message that we’re open for business, and we’re ready to work.”
Last year’s budget saw the grant increase to $10 million from $2 million, plus an additional $7.5 million announced in October, bringing the total available for creative projects in the province to $17.5 million.
According to Creative Saskatchewan, 18 productions have started filming since the program opened.
Creative Saskatchewan’s website says over $2.6 million has been invested into film and TV projects in the province.
The grant replaces the film tax credit, which was cut in 2012.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.