N.B. film tax credit worth saving, group says

Members of New Brunswick's film industry are pulling together to pressure the Progressive Conservative government to bring back the Film Tax Credit that was cut in last month's budget.

The coalition emerged after a recent public meeting of stakeholders, film producer Cecile Chevrier said on Friday.

The group plans to use social media such as Facebook and Twitter to counter the government's message that the tax credit was not working, Chevrier said.

"We're recruiting associations also, [such as the] Chamber of Commerce, our public. Let's not forget about them. People who like our films, you know, the audience," she said.

In terms of tactics, Chevrier said her group planned to "send out figures, send out arguments, send out anything that can correct that misrepresentation we have been the victims of."

Budget crunch

Culture Minister Trevor Holder has said there is no justification to continue the program.

Premier David Alward's government said it is trying to lower the provincial deficit to $448 million by cutting $220 million in spending. The tax credit for the film production industry cost the province $2.7 million last year, down from a high of $4.4 million in 2008-09.

The New Brunswick government had offered companies a maximum of 40 per cent of salaries paid to New Brunswick residents as a way to encourage the industry.

Proponents of the program argue $7 is generated for every dollar the provincial government puts into the film industry.

The New Brunswick Producers Association will hold its annual meeting on April 8 in Fredericton and will try to convince the provincial government to reverse the decision.