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NDP candidate accuses Premier of going Bollywood while ignoring BC film and gaming sectors
VANCOUVER/CKNW (AM980)
Shane Woodford | Email news tips to shane.woodford@corusent.com
1/22/2013

The NDP candidate for Vancouver False Creek is giving the Premier a big thumbs down for shelling out millions of dollars to host the Times of India film awards.

Gaming industry insider Matt Toner says there is no question the money could have been better spent elsewhere.

"And we are kind of insourcing an awards ceremony as kind of a bandaid to something that really needs a meaningful solution."

Toner says BC's film and gaming industry are both hurting and could use a strategy from the province to help revitalize the sectors.
 
"The timing is deeply ironic especially when you think not just the emeting that is happening tonight where there is going to be hundreds of people that have been in pretty seriosu economic trouble of late because of the circumstances here in our industry but also today THQ which is the parent company of one of our local game developers is in the final stages of their bankruptcy proceedings and we don't know how that is going to impact their local studios."

Toner says when it comes to the gaming and film industries there is no one size fits all solution.

"Well what we need is kind of a multi tiered strategy that looks at the needs of animation companies, and film people, and game people, and TV people both domestic and foreign because everyone has a slightly different set of problems. You need an engaged and meaningful strategy and as we saw from their jobs plan the BC government isn't really interested in figuring it out."

Film and gaming industry woes will be addressed in a town hall in North Vancouver this evening.

"I think it is the first time the industry has come together in this particular way and you have a lot of the unions, a lot of the producers, game people, it is going to be quite a mixed group and I think it is pushing towards kind of an interesting initiative called 'We Trade BC' there has been a lot of support for the idea of unifying instead of having separate voices we are going to try and have an integrated voice and an integrated strategy for Vancouver and the rest of the province."

The townhall will be well attended as thousands of people have already shown up and more are arriving.

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  • 63
  1. UnemployedinBC posted on 01/22/2013 08:20 PM
    This is no different than the BC Jobs plan and all the grants that go to promoting, hiring and training of immigrants. Just like industrial workers in BC who were laid off in the last 5 years the long time movie industry is being cast aside for new offshore ideas and people and I imagine votes. Huge media campaigns promoting hiring immigrants over British Columbians who are unemployed. Eighth page ads in newpapers touting the benefits of hiring immigrants while the local #workbc center is chock full of unemployed British Columbians who are loosing everything they have worked for over the years. Maybe its time unemployed British columbians started shutting down some major highways. Then watch the pepper spray and handcuffs come out.
    1. Ron_26 posted on 01/22/2013 10:50 PM
      @UnemployedinBC CTV reported tonight that BC is currently giving 33% tax breaks to the film industry. How far would you like to bend over?
    2. Ken280 posted on 01/23/2013 01:12 AM
      @UnemployedinBC You will be attacked now for being unCanadian speaking against the T W P! I think more people have to say something about this problem but most that come here are retired and could give a good god damn about people who only know BC and Canada and need a Job. If they get work at part time at minimum wages for 20hrs per wk that is all you will get for min wage Jobs.most low paying work is part time that works out to $200wk! enough to drive you to sell drugs eh! We need a general strike right across Canada!
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  2. Jartann posted on 01/22/2013 08:30 PM
    What a joke, and once again proof of the complete economic and financial iilliteracy here. What is the problem with the film and gaming industries? BC is a high cost place to do business. Why is this coming up now? Because the coming of the PST will increase the cost of business for these and every other industry. Why wasn't this discussed during the referendum? Because the economic illiterates like Bill VanderZalm, Bill Tieleman and Adrian DIx were not interested in a debate about economic realities. Through e mails I tried to explain this to the Zalm and his tactic was to change subjects.

    So, now some industries need help. Well, that is just about everyone that is competing with people outside of BC. The easiest solution with be to have a refundable PST, which was exactly what the HST was. Oh well.

    Matt Toner is clueless, but he is running for the party of the clueless so no surprise there. How many other industries are going to need "tax breaks?
    1. WLT posted on 01/22/2013 09:44 PM
      @Jartann Wait a minute.....the film industry had significant subsidized PST rebates prior too HST and they will again!

      This industry is the most subsidized of any in BC....hardly fair too roll over every time they whine! What the federal Gov't needs too do is ban the bailouts/subsidies of films in Canada then challenge it under NAFTA too make the Americans stop as well. It ticks me off too see Shaw charging me cable $$ for films/shows that I subsidize with my taxes! No wonder people are turning off their TV's and not going too theaters!
    2. BieberStoner69 posted on 01/22/2013 10:33 PM
      @Jartann What about the fact the Male Bollywood Stars sill accuse the women of being responsible for their own rape? Remember the girl on the bus?
      Ask these stars their opinion and they blame the victim
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  3. bctaxpayer posted on 01/22/2013 08:54 PM
    No money for Kits Coast Guard Base but risky Clark the photo op queen has Millions for Bollywood. I think risky will try out for a acting job as we all know her future in BC politics appears very to be very brief.
    1. UnemployedinBC posted on 01/22/2013 10:27 PM
      @bctaxpayer Bollywood loves a good MILF. Perhaps she will be the leed in the upcoming Bollywood thriller "Screw the lightbulb. Pet the dog
    2. DaveV_9512 posted on 01/23/2013 10:51 AM
      @bctaxpayer My understanding is that funding for the Coast Guard is actually a federal matter. So all our premier can actually do is voice her objection to the Kits closing (which she has done), wheras she does have the ability and power to help fund economic impetus events such as the Bollywood Awards show.
    show more replies
  4. StevelikesNews posted on 01/22/2013 09:18 PM
    I see both sides. Surrey gets some great exposure, but local industry needs a push. Interesting story, good debate.
  5. BieberStoner69 posted on 01/22/2013 10:30 PM
    So many male Bollywood stars still blame the woman on the bus responsilbe for her own attack and Clark is going to treat them like STARS!!!! LOLOOOLOLOL

    Just look at the names of the individual donors to the Clark Campain, because they will all be there!
    1. DeceitinDrugsD posted on 01/22/2013 10:58 PM
      @BieberStoner69 Yes, it is about trying to gain the vote of the Asian
      community.

      It is unfortunate, because, we should welcome this
      event but when did the government get into the Film
      business?
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  6. DeceitinDrugsD posted on 01/22/2013 10:55 PM
    It is in support of all the wealthy Asians, which were referred toas donating toChristy Clark's campaign last election..........desperate for votes.

    Having said that, I welcome the Bollywoods Awards in Vancouver, but, not at a $10 million cost to the taxpayer and that goes for any special venue
    being held in B.C.

    It is wrong!
    1. BradD posted on 01/23/2013 01:36 PM
      @DeceitinDrugsD Do you really think this event will "cost" us $10million? There's a major difference between "spending" and "investing". By investing $11million to have this world-class event be hosted in BC, we will see $12-18million returned in direct spending during the event. That is revenue injected back into our local economy. Think of it this way, government invests $11million, local businesses benefit by earning $12-18million. What does that mean? It means that restaurants, hotels, taxi companies, cafes, bars, shopping malls, and the supporting labour force that goes along with that will all benefit. What good does that $11million do sitting in the governments accounts? Nothing, which makes this a win-win investment.
  7. RegA [deleted] posted on 01/23/2013 07:14 AM
    This absolutely leaves no doubt, The MILF can do absolutely nothing right. First thing stuck in my craw is the 15 million WE spent telling us how great our government hoses us, then 12 million to host the Bollywood thing, in trade for a Bolly film made in B.C., likely a 22 minute cooking show over at the MILFS house. She just loves having her gob in photo ops with her Bollywood friends. They can vote, n'est pas, maybe more than once? I wonder if Bob Sieger is getting us to rent the stage? Why not, it would be another photo session!
  8. WizardOron posted on 01/23/2013 08:15 AM
    BCs film industry is having a tough time because unlike BC, Ontario and Quebec provide a 25% break on the entire cost of film production in their provinces where as here in BC the 33% is on wages only. The film industry is going where it is cheaper to produce film and television.

    The Liberals like to pick and choose the winners in this province. They allowed the forest industry to practically die and now that it is coming back to life thanks to the return of a healthy US housing industry they are coming out and acting like the saviours of the industry that they almost killed by their inaction over the past decade.

    I'm sure as polls show support for the film industry and as we get closer to the election Christie Clark and the Liberals will come out with a grand announcement and photo-op on how they are going to save and bring the film industry back to BC.

    They seem to have money up their sleeves now as they are going on a little bit of a spending spree, , ,
  9. Specimen Yarp posted on 01/23/2013 10:06 AM
    $700,000 is all that is needed to keep the Coast Guard base open. $10,000,000 to bring an effing awards show here. How screwed up is this women? An awards show is far more important than peoples lives apparently.
    1. DaveV_9512 posted on 01/23/2013 10:53 AM
      @Specimen Yarp As I mentioned in a previous posting I understand funds for Coast Guard bases come from the federal govt not the provincial govt
    2. bctaxpayer posted on 01/23/2013 11:17 AM
      @Specimen Yarp Risky Clark is confused very desperate to buy votes,it is very noticeable.We can see through her all the way to her toes.
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  10. insite posted on 01/23/2013 11:01 AM
    When CC shelled out $12 million to host the Times of India awards, she said:

    "As the saying goes, business doesn't happen between strangers, it happens between friends."

    Sadly, that statement underscores the prevailing philosphy of her Liberal government. This is proof that CC rewards only her friends.

    The taxpayer is always forgotten except to pay for her handouts.

    Apparently, the $12 million will go towards defraying the costs of the 600 performers who will be brought to BC instead of providing jobs for British Columbians.
    1. TeriR posted on 01/23/2013 12:31 PM
      @insite You do realize there is economic value that is coming to BC with this investment, don't you?

      Or did you miss that part of the storyline?
    2. BradD posted on 01/23/2013 01:24 PM
      @insite Let me spell it out for you... $11million is "invested" to bring over a world-class event that will be hosted in our city and province that will have an immediate $12-$18million in direct spending in our restaurants, bars, hotels, cafes, shopping malls, taxi services, etc. These are all "private sector" employers, who employ most of BC's word force. Secondly, the spin-off benefits for our province in the short and long term are incredible.

      Bottom line, our government's role is not to spend tax dollars by being "our employers"... it's to invest in areas that support, sustain and grow the private sector, which is what funds government and everyone who works for them. So hats-off to Premier Christy Clark for making the right choice by hosting an amazing event like this!

      PS. The BC Film Industry is a separate issue, and has nothing to do with this event.
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  11. joes_2868 posted on 01/23/2013 12:24 PM
    bctaxpayer: Are your suggesting that the B.C. provincial government take over the Kits Coast Guard Base? Presently it is under control of the Canadian Federal government.
    1. TeriR posted on 01/23/2013 12:30 PM
      @joes_2868 After reading some of these comments I am starting to believe we do need to put more money into the education system. Oye.

      The level of ignorance is truly scary. If this is what the typical NDP voter demographic looks like, we are truly screwed.
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  12. BradD posted on 01/23/2013 01:08 PM
    Let me start off by saying, there is no comparison between investing $11million to host Times of India Film Awards, and bailing out the BC Film Industry. They are two completely separate issues. Anyone who says otherwise is either "playing politics", or brainwashed by the way this is being spun (largely by the media).

    Premier Christy Clark is investing $11 million to host "The Times of India Film Awards" in Vancouver. $13 to $18 million will be injected into our local economy in direct spending over the days this event is held. Not to mention new opportunities for trade and investment with India. Our government's role is to invest tax dollars in ways that grow our economy, support local businesses, which in-turn creates jobs! I congratulate our premier for bringing this amazing event to our Province!

    The BC Film Industry isn't asking Christy Clark and our Provincial government for $11million, nor are they asking for any money. They're asking for special tax rates to attract movie productions to come to our province. Should the government further reduce taxes to "bail out" the BC Film Industry? Maybe... but that issue has absolutely NOTHING to do with hosting a major, world-class event in our city.

    If the NDP's stance is that they're giving this event a "thumbs down", I am very worried to see how they will manage this Province to attract business and investment to our Province.

    Perhaps the BC Government should do something to help the BC Film Industry. My questions is, why are people so easily brainwashed to believe there is a comparison between these two obviously different issues?
  13. joes_2868 posted on 01/23/2013 01:10 PM
    TeriR: So true!
    1. BradD posted on 01/23/2013 01:18 PM
      @joes_2868 I second that :-)
  14. speakup posted on 01/23/2013 01:32 PM
    the gaming and filming industry????
    SOOOOO WHAT??? These are NOT industries!!!
    They are make-believe - jobs for people that don't want real jobs!!!

    they need to take a good hard look at these 'hobby jobs'
    WHY should full time hard working BC tax payers supplement these fakers? ALL of us have had to adjust our career choices and so much more over the years of economic ups and downs/mergers/sales/ acquisitions/changes changes changes! We did not whine to the governemtn everytime technology or economy changed the way people do business!!!!If you do not change and evolve YOU DIE! and NO FAIR blaming the government cos your industry is sooo GREEDY and think they are soooooo above real working people!

    I am NOT surprised that thousands can show up - and more arriving!!!
    Because none of these glamorous greedy people work full time!
    And that is NOT my problem!!
    Look at your own industry and insider industry Mafiosos to see what the actual real problems are!
  15. BOBF_5970 posted on 01/23/2013 01:41 PM
    .............and remember the olympics were going to spin off a whole bunch of $$$$.....hmmmm
    1. speakup posted on 01/23/2013 01:43 PM
      @BOBF_5970 at least it got Gordo a seat in a UK pub!
  16. joes_2868 posted on 01/23/2013 03:25 PM
    BOBF_5970: Then explain to the readers why Russia is spending mega millions of dollars on winter olympics when they are a country of bureaucracy.
  17. joes_2868 posted on 01/23/2013 03:31 PM
    Matt Toner must have had coffee with the readers consultant, Ken280, a man with a briefcase 50 miles away from home being advised of how to make his comments.
    Matt has jumped the gun, and has not mentioned one item that come April 1, 2013, B.C. business can only claim the GST as a tax credit, whereas in Ontario, as they have HST, can still claim the PST in their tax credits.
    1. Ken280 posted on 01/23/2013 11:19 PM
      @joes_2868 The government has spent millions in advertising in the final weeks of 2012 to persuade voters it is a prudent manager of the public purse. In the face of mounting sober advice to the contrary, Premier Christy Clark and de Jong remain wedded to their promise of delivering a balanced budget in the new fiscal year.

      These two are rushing headlong toward B.C.’s very own version of America’s fiscal cliff and they don’t seem to appreciate their peril. Clark & Co. are exiting 2012 under the darkest of clouds. Their Christmas Grinch is Moody’s Investor Service, which has deposited a lump of coal of biblical proportions in B.C.’s stocking.

      Moody’s is the financial world’s Vatican. When this credit rating institution rains on your parade, it is best to start building an arc.

      Moody’s has downgraded B.C.’s financial status to AAA-negative from AAA-stable. Moody’s blames it on our worsening financial situation, which has investors worried about the government’s ability to avoid increasing its massive overall debt load.
      “A more subdued economic outlook, compounded with lower-than-anticipated natural gas resource revenues, along with continued expense pressures presents risks to achieving the fiscal plan and to stabilizing and ultimately reversing the recent accumulation in debt,” says Moody’s assistant vice-president Jennifer Wong, lead analyst for the province.
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  18. joes_2868 posted on 01/24/2013 02:02 PM
    Ron_26: Good comments!
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