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
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
developing Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.