The Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) today expressed serious concerns regarding an anticipated “significant reduction” in the Canadian Television Fund’s (CTF) 2007-2008 budget and program allocations as a result of Shaw Communications Inc. and Vidéotron ltée’s threats to stop its required contributions to the CTF.While the CFTPA is pleased with yesterday’s announcement from the CTF that it will continue to support all eligible productions for the 2006-2007 year, it notes that the considerable uncertainty surrounding funding for television projects beyond 2006-2007 is already having a negative impact on projects in development in terms of international financing.

If left unchallenged, Shaw and Vidéotron’s actions will have a devastating impact on the CTF, on Canadian television production, and on the independent production and creative sectors, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs.

“We will not stand idly by and watch some cable companies unilaterally destroy an entire industry by dictating the terms by which they will or will not live up to their regulatory obligations,” said Guy Mayson, President and CEO, CFTPA. “Shaw and Vidéotron’s actions are unacceptable and irresponsible and, if allowed to continue, would set a dangerous precedent that would have long-term repercussions not only with respect to the future viability of the CTF and the Canadian production sector but also with respect to the integrity of the CRTC’s licensing and regulatory authority. That’s why we’ve asked the CRTC to be vigilant in ensuring all broadcast distribution undertakings respect their regulatory obligations.”

The CTF is an essential component of the Canadian broadcasting system. Since its inception in 1996, the CTF has provided $2.22 billion in funding support to 4,470 independently produced Canadian English- and French-language television programs. The financial contribution from this unique public-private partnership has helped create 23,141 hours of great Canadian television, triggering total production budgets of $7.4 billion. Some 22,400 out of 44,700 jobs in the television production sector are estimated to be the result of CTF-supported productions.

The CTF has made possible many highly successful Canadian programs, such as Shania: A Life in Eight Albums, Running on a Dream: The Terry Fox Story, Life with Derek, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Trailer Park Boys, and Little Mosque on the Prairie. These and many other CTF-supported programs are watched and loved by millions of Canadians.

“We applaud the Minister for announcing the Government’s contribution of $200 million over two years for the CTF last week and for confirming the Government’s commitment to the Canadian television production industry and a strong broadcasting system,” said Ira Levy, Chair of the CFTPA Board of Directors. “Following the Minister’s meeting earlier this week with representatives of some private-sector contributors to the Fund, for the sake of fairness and transparency we have asked the Minister to meet with us and all other CTF stakeholders so that we can offer our perspective on the Fund’s workings and its importance to the broadcasting industry.”

The CFTPA also supports the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage’s motion today to investigate the impact of the CTF’s potential demise on the health of the Canadian television production sector.