Protest doesn’t change McNeil’s stance on film tax cut

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says he’s heard the protests from the film industry, but he says he’s not about to back away from his decision to virtually eliminate a tax credit that the industry says is key to its survival.

More than 2,000 members of the province’s film and television industry, including actors from the Trailer Park Boys, rallied yesterday to persuade the government to change their mind about cuts to the credit they say is vital to their survival.

Despite the show of strength, McNeil says he hasn’t changed his stance on the cut.

The tax credit paid out about 24-million dollars last year to cover industry wages. The provincial government plans to cut that fund to six million dollars.

He says he’s open to discussing how that money will be spent, but he insists that’s all there is.

“We laid on the table the amount of money that we had for this sector. Hopefully they’ll bring us something that works for them.” said McNeil.

The planned cuts to the film tax credit take effect as of July 1st.

“They can’t kill our industry. The film industry has an amazing track record for retaining youth in this province. And it’s one of the biggest reasons I have gone away to study and come back is to work here and make films.” said Jessica Murwin, who runs a training program for emerging filmmakers.

Even TV icon William Shatner turned to Twitter yesterday to ask McNeil to keep the film tax credit.

Shatner recently wrapped up filming 4-episodes of ‘Haven’, a TV show that is currently shot in Nova Scotia.

Another meeting is scheduled tomorrow when both side hope to find common ground.

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