KJIPUKTUK, (HALIFAX) - About 80 or so protesters associated with the Nova Scotia film industry rallied at the Armdale Rotary this morning.
The rally served as a reminder to the Liberal government that the cuts to the film tax credits introduced in this year's provincial budget are unacceptable.
Roughly 1500 people are employed in an industry that generates economic activity worth about $122 million. Slashing the tax credits by 75 percent will destroy that industry, film workers say. They are also upset about the lack of consultation prior to the announcement.
Many morning commuters honked to show their support for the demonstrators.
People employed in the film industry face an uncertain future and may well be forced to leave the province if the cuts are not rescinded.
“Screen Nova Scotia is the coalition that advocates on behalf of the industry. Last week the group organized one of the largest rallies ever seen at Province House.
Maybe it's not too late, says Marcel Boulet, film technician and member of IATSE Local 849.
"If there is no change you will see a huge downturn of film productions in Nova Scotia,” says Boulet. “Yes, we have beautiful scenery, yes we have great crews, but it's the tax credit that really pulls (film productions) away from other major markets like Vancouver.”
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