Statement from MPA-Canada on the Passage of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
TORONTO, ONTARIO, MARCH 26, 2020 – The following is a statement from Wendy Noss, President, Motion Picture Association – Canada on the passage of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan which provides relief to Canadian workers and businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID -19 crisis:
“Motion Picture Association – Canada applauds the Government of Canada and the Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, on the passage of the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan that will bring vital relief to workers and businesses across Canada, including the talented men and women, and local businesses supporting Canada’s creative economy.
The COVID-19 crisis is a threat to the entire global economy, and has brought a stop to film and television production around the world. In Canada, film and television production is a major contributor to Canada’s dynamic creative economy – contributing $12.8 billion to Canada’s GDP and supporting jobs for more than 179,000 Canadians in every province across the country. The talented men and women who work in front of and behind the camera are among those whose livelihoods are hardest hit by the current public health crisis. We commend the government for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit that will provide vital relief for the cast and crew who are the backbone of global studio productions made in Canada and enjoyed by audiences around the world.
Major producers and partners in Canada’s creative economy are appreciative of Minister Guilbeault’s leadership in supporting the hundreds of thousands of creative workers — from special effects technicians to make-up artists, cinematographers, lighting experts, carpenters and more — and look forward to continuing to work with him and all of our industry partners to help address the challenges ahead.”
ABOUT MPA-CANADA
Motion Picture Association – Canada (MPA-Canada) serves as the voice and advocate of the major international producers and distributors of movies, home entertainment and television programming in Canada and is an affiliate of the Motion Picture Association, Inc. (MPA). The motion picture studios we serve include: ABC (Disney | ABC Television) & Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Netflix Studios Inc.; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Universal City Studios LLC (NBCUniversal & Universal Cable Productions); and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
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