James Calls For Action For B.C.’s Film And Digital Entertainment Sector
VANCOUVER - New Democrat Leader Carole James called on the B.C. Liberals to act now to protect and strengthen B.C.’s film and digital entertainment sector in order to maintain the 
Carole Jamesprovince's competitive advantage and boost economic recovery.
James, who was joined by industry leaders at a local film studio, said B.C. can’t afford any further delays during a time when other provinces have already taken concrete action.
“B.C. has historically been a leader in fostering the film and television industry. Now more than ever before, we have a unique opportunity to develop a 21st century entertainment industry here in B.C. And we can do that by capitalizing on our existing strengths in the film and digital entertainment sectors,” said James. “But while other provinces have taken the lead, the B.C. Liberal inaction has reduced our competitiveness and led to the loss of well-paying jobs in the sector.”
“That’s why I'm joining industry leaders today to add my support to proposals that would protect jobs, help put B.C. back on the leading edge of growth in the sector and support the province's overall economic recovery,” James said.
Since July, Quebec and Ontario have taken steps to strengthen their entertainment sectors, but the B.C. Liberals have only made promises and done nothing. Industry statistics show that this inaction has caused the province to lose jobs as well as business opportunities, something James says the province just can’t afford as it struggles to recover from a recession.
James, along with New Democrat arts and culture critic Spencer Herbert and finance critic Bruce Ralston , called for the implementation of specific proposals, which are based on key recommendations made by the industry, including enhancing targeted tax credits, providing a bonus for television series produced in B.C. in their initial years and a 
Spencer Herbertspecial fund for B.C.-owned film, television, and digital media projects.
“These proposals are concrete and attainable - and they need to be implemented now to protect and enhance B.C.’s film and entertainment industry,” said Herbert. “These steps would allow us to maintain our competitive advantage, help build on a key B.C. strength and support economic innovation."