The Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit (SFETC) - a job creator and economic driver which has brought millions of dollars into Saskatchewan's economy since its creation - is set to end Saturday. Film companies and employees say they need to leave the province in order to continue to work in the film and digital production field.

To mark the close of years of a money-making and story-telling industry, Chartier asked that at least one item representative of the film industry be included in the Saskatchewan time capsule.

"We hope the film industry can return to Saskatchewan long before the time capsule is opened," said Danielle Chartier, NDP critic for culture. "But, I think it's appropriate that such a significant part of our province is preserved for our grandchildren. The film industry is a big part of how we became the Saskatchewan we are today."

Chartier pointed to Corner Gas as a notable example, and brought a copy of the show's Season 2 DVD - on which there is an episode about the Dog River time capsule - to be included in the Saskatchewan time capsule.

"The jobs Corner Gas created and investment it brought into Saskatchewan's economy were significant," said Chartier. "But, I also think that the chance to tell our uniquely-Saskatchewan stories and to show pride in our roots was priceless."

The cancellation of the tax credit is a reversible decision.

"It's not too late," said Chartier. "Yes, the film industry is packed and ready to leave, but what I'm hearing is that these workers love Saskatchewan. They want to stay and they're looking to the Sask. Party government to reverse its backward decision.

"A $100 million investment brought over $600 million in return for Saskatchewan. Why would the Sask. Party government close Saskatchewan's door to that kind of business?"
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