NDP Caucus

Two thumbs down: Sask. Party launches ironic talks on the arts

Posted: July 18, 2012 | E-mail this to a friend | Print view

The Sask. Party government’s newly-announced review of creative industries has been met with skepticism by the official Opposition.

“The irony of this review is mind-boggling,” said Cathy Sproule, MLA for Saskatoon Nutana. “Mere weeks after destroying the film and television industry in Saskatchewan, the Sask. Party is paying lip service to the economic benefits of creative industries. After ignoring thousands of messages and people on the steps of the Legislature, the Sask. Party’s move seems hollow.”

Sproule said that reinstating a refundable tax incentive equal to or better than the former Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit would be the best way to begin to earn back the valuable, multi-million-dollar industry the Sask. Party has chased away.

The Sask. Party will also have a difficult time shedding its reputation as ideologically-driven and unreliable when it comes to supporting the arts.

“A thriving arts economy starts with a stable investment environment for creative industries,” said Sproule. “The Sask. Party has been moving in the wrong direction, and Saskatchewan’s cultural landscape hangs in the balance.”

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