The film industry has been organizing meetings regarding the downturn in local production and inviting politicians from all parties to join with them to discuss possible solutions. There is more info available at http://www.savebcfilm.ca/ or on the Save BC Film Face Book page.
I really think the issue of tax breaks to the industry was a missed opportunity and very short-sightedness by the Liberal Party. All those employees pay taxes and buy stuff. It will be interesting to see what the Conservatives do with the opportunity.
All employees pay taxes and buy stuff. What makes them so special?
Personally I think we should focus on lowering cascading production taxes and switch to a consumption tax where the tax is only collected when the product is sold, we could call it the HST, that would really help the film industry out.
When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can always count on the support of Paul, unless someone is willing to rob Peter more...
Get rid of politically driven tax exemptions and move to a generally low tax environment.
Another overly rich, well-sponsored and funded industry with lots of money, greedy for more...With the poor quality of many movies and reality tv, sit-coms and the like coming out of the film industry, what exactly would we be losing?
The above two comments, while containing some truths, also contain a lot of rhetoric. The logic (or lack thereof) means nothing as long as other provinces are willing to give the film industry tax breaks and exemptions. The business (and employment) will flow to the most favourable jurisdiction. Anyone willing to tell Ontario (or Quebec or Prince Edward Island for that matter) that they should quit making their part of Canada a more economically attractive place to do business???
It’s too bad that provincial NDP couldn’t create a monopolized movie market by convincing the federal government to pass a law that says all movies being developed in Canada must be shot in B.C. much like the bylaw the city passed to create a monopolized energy market that says all new developments in the city must use the Lonsdale Energy Corporation.
I guess if the left leaning council at the city are so much in favour of subsidising businesses and providing hidden subsidies for libraries and community centers why not forgive any taxes or operating costs owing to the city from the north shore studios to help the movie industry?
I'm no rocket scientist, but I do know that the community centres are owned by their respective munis but operated by the joint North Shore Recreation Commission. Both munis provide grants to operate the rec centres. Ditto the libraries. Both of these are community amenities I would dare to suggest, and I would also dare to suggest that residents will gladly help to pay for them out of tax dollars because it makes for a more livable community.
I am unaware of any businesses receiving subsidies, the film studio being one of them. If you look on the list of properties receiving a permissive tax exemption, either full or partial, North Shore Studios is not on the list, so you can assume that they are paying a fairly hefty tax bill on their property on Brooksbank. Any tax breaks they MIGHT receive are coming from the Province or the feds. Ontario is offering them and that's why so much of the work is heading that way. Check your facts before you spout off a bunch of crap.
Historically, the presence of a library in a community dramatically affected literacy rates, but in the modern era where e-books, and just plain internet access grant you unlimited access to more literature than a local library could ever hope to provide, do we need to modernize what a library is?
"Anti-intellectualism" snobbery aside, would we be better off putting those funds into 6 or 7 community libraries partnered with schools, or are the current 3x40,000 sqft bricks and mortar necessary?
There is no question that the way we glean knowledge is changing. Dictionaries are almost a thing of the past, ditto encyclopedia sets, because they become outdated relatively quickly as time marches on, but the historical information is always accurate.
Having said that, libraries provide much more than books. A qualified librarian is an incredible resource. Libraries provide learning environments for children, teaching skills not always offered at school or home. For those on limited income, movies on DVD can be borrowed without paying for them. And not everyone likes to have their information delivered electronically. So for those who still like to read a book the old-fashioned way, or have access to some really expensive reference materials without buying them, libraries provide a really useful service.
Libraries are great. Still like to read 'a book'. I've got my name in line for Terry Fallis' new book right now. Libraries are charming and good for the community. Google is....well, Google.
That is a dumb comment. Libraries serve a real purpose, however, I'm assuming that you haven't ever made good use of them in your life, otherwise you'd realize what a great resource they are. They offer more than books, you know.
I know child care, games arcade, cultural activities, and social activities all under the guise of a library. Time to repurpose the funds allocated to libraries over to community centers. Matter of fact the 3 municipalities should amalgamate each municipal library system into one and skim off the fat.
Yes, let's skim the fat off of affordable, accessible learning. Sounds to me like you'd be happier living in the USA, Anon 7:05PM. You sound like someone who would love the Tea Party.
23 comments:
It would have been nice to have been advised about this meeting. Where was it advertised?
The film industry has been organizing meetings regarding the downturn in local production and inviting politicians from all parties to join with them to discuss possible solutions. There is more info available at http://www.savebcfilm.ca/ or on the Save BC Film Face Book page.
I really think the issue of tax breaks to the industry was a missed opportunity and very short-sightedness by the Liberal Party. All those employees pay taxes and buy stuff. It will be interesting to see what the Conservatives do with the opportunity.
All employees pay taxes and buy stuff. What makes them so special?
Personally I think we should focus on lowering cascading production taxes and switch to a consumption tax where the tax is only collected when the product is sold, we could call it the HST, that would really help the film industry out.
When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can always count on the support of Paul, unless someone is willing to rob Peter more...
Get rid of politically driven tax exemptions and move to a generally low tax environment.
Another overly rich, well-sponsored and funded industry with lots of money, greedy for more...With the poor quality of many movies and reality tv, sit-coms and the like coming out of the film industry, what exactly would we be losing?
The above two comments, while containing some truths, also contain a lot of rhetoric. The logic (or lack thereof) means nothing as long as other provinces are willing to give the film industry tax breaks and exemptions. The business (and employment) will flow to the most favourable jurisdiction. Anyone willing to tell Ontario (or Quebec or Prince Edward Island for that matter) that they should quit making their part of Canada a more economically attractive place to do business???
Griffin last two comments make perfect sense unfortunately you don't
Must have been made by you!
It’s too bad that provincial NDP couldn’t create a monopolized movie market by convincing the federal government to pass a law that says all movies being developed in Canada must be shot in B.C. much like the bylaw the city passed to create a monopolized energy market that says all new developments in the city must use the Lonsdale Energy Corporation.
You continue to be the only persone talking about the LEC.
Ah, that was a huge tongue-in-cheek remark by Anon 7:23 am.
I guess if the left leaning council at the city are so much in favour of subsidising businesses and providing hidden subsidies for libraries and community centers why not forgive any taxes or operating costs owing to the city from the north shore studios to help the movie industry?
I'm no rocket scientist, but I do know that the community centres are owned by their respective munis but operated by the joint North Shore Recreation Commission. Both munis provide grants to operate the rec centres. Ditto the libraries. Both of these are community amenities I would dare to suggest, and I would also dare to suggest that residents will gladly help to pay for them out of tax dollars because it makes for a more livable community.
I am unaware of any businesses receiving subsidies, the film studio being one of them. If you look on the list of properties receiving a permissive tax exemption, either full or partial, North Shore Studios is not on the list, so you can assume that they are paying a fairly hefty tax bill on their property on Brooksbank. Any tax breaks they MIGHT receive are coming from the Province or the feds. Ontario is offering them and that's why so much of the work is heading that way. Check your facts before you spout off a bunch of crap.
Who needs a library when you have google?
You're joking, right?
American anti-intellectualism seems to be creeping North.
*sigh*
This is a debate that needs to happen.
Historically, the presence of a library in a community dramatically affected literacy rates, but in the modern era where e-books, and just plain internet access grant you unlimited access to more literature than a local library could ever hope to provide, do we need to modernize what a library is?
"Anti-intellectualism" snobbery aside, would we be better off putting those funds into 6 or 7 community libraries partnered with schools, or are the current 3x40,000 sqft bricks and mortar necessary?
There is no question that the way we glean knowledge is changing. Dictionaries are almost a thing of the past, ditto encyclopedia sets, because they become outdated relatively quickly as time marches on, but the historical information is always accurate.
Having said that, libraries provide much more than books. A qualified librarian is an incredible resource. Libraries provide learning environments for children, teaching skills not always offered at school or home. For those on limited income, movies on DVD can be borrowed without paying for them. And not everyone likes to have their information delivered electronically. So for those who still like to read a book the old-fashioned way, or have access to some really expensive reference materials without buying them, libraries provide a really useful service.
Libraries are great. Still like to read 'a book'. I've got my name in line for Terry Fallis' new book right now. Libraries are charming and good for the community. Google is....well, Google.
Libraries are passé’
That is a dumb comment. Libraries serve a real purpose, however, I'm assuming that you haven't ever made good use of them in your life, otherwise you'd realize what a great resource they are. They offer more than books, you know.
I know child care, games arcade, cultural activities, and social activities all under the guise of a library. Time to repurpose the funds allocated to libraries over to community centers. Matter of fact the 3 municipalities should amalgamate each municipal library system into one and skim off the fat.
Yes, let's skim the fat off of affordable, accessible learning. Sounds to me like you'd be happier living in the USA, Anon 7:05PM. You sound like someone who would love the Tea Party.
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