PCs pledge bonus tax credit for Manitoba-centred film soundtracks

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This article was published 14/09/2023 (763 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives want more local musicians showcased in cinemas across the globe and are offering a bonus tax credit to films and TV shows with Prairie-produced soundtracks.

PC Leader Heather Stefanson said a re-elected Tory government would top up the province’s existing film and production tax credit by 10 per cent, if a Manitoba-made motion picture’s soundtrack is at least 50 per cent local.

Stefanson said seeing familiar landscapes in movies and television shows is a source of pride for Manitobans. She wants local artists and musicians to be featured in the same way.

“Encouraging our film and TV sector to use Manitoba music will help Manitoba talent grow new audiences,” the Tory leader said, noting streaming services often introduce audiences to new musicians.

She made the commitment (alongside Fort Whyte candidate Obby Khan) Thursday afternoon at Big Sky Studios, a new soundstage in northwest Winnipeg.

The provincial election is Oct. 3.

Khan said the fine print on the proposed tax credit — including the Tories’ definition of Manitoba-made music — will be determined in consultation with stakeholders. The party could not say Thursday what the credit would cost the provincial treasury.

The PCs also committed to spending $4.5 million to ensure the province has a “world-class soundstage” to attract top-tier, blockbuster productions to the province. The cash would be distributed to businesses in the form of a loan or grant and following a competitive process, Stefanson said.

“Right now, it’s a bit of an impediment and there was a slow down because of COVID, there’s a number of challenges that have taken place, so we’re just trying to bridge that gap,” the Tuxedo candidate said.

Big Sky Studios chief executive officer Ed Kolic said tax credits and government support of the sector will drive business to the studio, which has faced challenges owing to the recent pandemic and strikes in Hollywood.

“The financial support to the industry will allow Big Sky to deliver on its intention of materially growing the film industry of Manitoba.”

Earlier Thursday, the Tories also pledged to create a $16-million skills training and labour recruitment fund, if re-elected.

Kirkfield Park candidate Kevin Klein made the commitment at Wildwood Transport in Oak Bluff. According to a news release, the fund would pay for training and recruitment in “the most in-demand industries.”

The PCs will consult with industry and post-secondary institutions to develop the initiatives, which could include micro-credentials, training seats, youth apprenticeships and on-the-job training. It’s expected the private sector will match government spending on programs.

“We want Manitobans to take every advantage in training for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” Klein said in the release.

“Our approach to addressing labour shortages across key sectors of our economy is going to be strategic so that we have the greatest impact on everyday Manitobans.”

The fund will help fill an estimated 114,000 job openings over the next five years, according to the PCs. The province’s labour market outlook forecasts openings in transportation, construction, manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade.

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Another $15 million was promised to subsidize the retrofit of semi-trailers to improve aerodynamics. That spending will reduce emissions by improving fuel economy, Transcona candidate Titi Tijani said in a release.

“When you can create savings for companies involved in shipping, you’re passing those savings down to consumers.”

The Manitoba NDP panned the campaign promises, saying the PCs had seven years in government to get the job done.

“Manitobans’ wages have declined because of Stefanson’s failed leadership,” a party spokesperson said in a statement. “She has had over seven years to work with truckers to green their fleet but she did nothing.”

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca