MONTREAL -- A decision by the Conservative government to reverse its plan to scrap tax credits for productions it deems offensive to Canadian viewers has come as a pleasant surprise to those in the film and television industries.
Steve Hoban of Copperheart Entertainment says it's "good news all around" and a sound economic decision given the current worldwide market meltdown.
The producer, whose film Young People F ing, about the sex lives of young singles, became a lightning rod in the debate over the bill last spring, says it would have ultimately killed the domestic film industry at a time when it's growing and generating billions in economic spinoffs.
Actor Gordon Pinsent says he never would have expected such a change of heart from the Conservatives and wonders whether it means Stephen Harper may be open to other new ideas.
The controversial changes to film and television tax credit eligibility were folded into an omnibus bill that passed in the Commons despite widespread protest.
The reversal came as part of the much anticipated Conservative election platform unveiled Tuesday.
-- The Canadian Press
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