The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) welcomes this government’s commitment to investment in the audiovisual industry in today’s federal budget. 

IATSE is the largest entertainment union in Canada representing 35,000 Canadian workers from coast to coast to coast. The budget offers $600 million in immediate support to help Canada’s film and TV sector grow and compete on the international stage. 

“We look forward to getting more details on this $600 million investment, which we hope will include strong support for domestic film and television production,” said International Vice-President and Director of Canadian Affairs John Lewis. “We also welcome the explicit inclusion of audiovisual equipment in the Productivity Mega Deduction, which will encourage more investment to modernize live performance venues as well as Canada’s film and TV industry and keep us competitive.”

Almost 200,000 Canadians are employed in the film and TV industry. The work IATSE members do not only reflects Canadian identity back to Canadians it introduces Canada to the world. Canada’s film and TV industry contributes more than $11 billion to the GDP. 

This budget also recognizes the importance of live performance, with support for live theatre, concerts and festival, as well as offering strong support for CBC/Radio-Canada. 

As the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture has said, culture is an important pillar of our diplomacy. Cultural industries are key to Canada’s continued growth, as well as the country’s cultural sovereignty and this budget highlights the vital role arts and culture play.