CHPC Committee Report

LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATION 1

The Committee recommends that a revised feature film policy and related support programs and measures recognize that Canada’s English and French-language film markets are different.

RECOMMENDATION 2

The Committee recommends that the feature film policy set realistic and incremental box-office targets for the viewing of films in the English-language and French-language markets.

RECOMMENDATION 3

The Committee recommends that a revised film policy recognize the importance of measuring audiences for the viewing of Canadian films in the many non-theatrical contexts where films may be watched.

RECOMMENDATION 4

The Committee recommends that the definition of Canadian content for the purposes of feature film be made more flexible, and use criteria that stipulate that two of the following ─ writer, producer, or director ─ have to be Canadians and that a certain proportion of the lead actors involved must be Canadian.

RECOMMENDATION 5

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada designate CAVCO as the single certification authority for Canadian content.

RECOMMENDATION 6

The Committee recommends that CAVCO create a single application process for the certification of Canadian content.

RECOMMENDATION 7

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage assert its responsibility for the design, oversight, implementation, and evaluation of Canada’s feature film policy.

RECOMMENDATION 8

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada develop a new memorandum of understanding that would be signed by all organizations most directly involved in support of the feature film policy. This MOU should recognize the Department’s responsibility for the design, oversight, implementation, and evaluation of Canada’s feature film policy.

RECOMMENDATION 9

The Committee recommends that the Minister of Canadian Heritage consult on a regular, systematic, and ongoing basis with members of the industry.

RECOMMENDATION 10

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage, in partnership with all organizations most directly involved in support of feature film, be responsible for identifying and ensuring the collection of timely and relevant performance measures on audiences for Canadian feature film.

RECOMMENDATION 11

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage, in partnership with all organizations most directly involved in support of feature film, be required to issue an annual report on relevant performance measures related to the objectives of the Canadian feature film policy.

RECOMMENDATION 12

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage, in collaboration with film and television industry stakeholders, develop a new policy for the exhibition of priority programming on Canadian television.

RECOMMENDATION 13

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada direct the CRTC to develop a policy that supports the promotion as well as the viewing of Canadian feature films, long-form documentaries, and drama.

RECOMMENDATION 14

The Committee recommends that the CBC/Radio-Canada develop a long term plan to incrementally increase the number of hours of Canadian feature film and long-form documentaries broadcast on its English and French-language networks. The Corporation should deliver this plan to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage within six months of the tabling of this report.

RECOMMENDATION 15

The Committee recommends that the legislation governing the National Film Act be amended to remove mention of the Government Film Commissioner. Such responsibility should be assumed by the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

RECOMMENDATION 16

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada amend the Telefilm Canada Act to remove the blanket restriction on the appointment of board members with a pecuniary interest in the audio-visual industry. Adequate safeguards contained in the Financial Administration Act and Treasury Board Secretariat guidelines are currently in place to ensure that conflicts of interest are declared and that those with a conflict do not participate in any discussion or decision that affect their own interests directly.

RECOMMENDATION 17

The Committee recommends that Telefilm Canada develop a peer review system for determining which feature film projects will be supported.

RECOMMENDATION 18

The Committee recommends that Telefilm Canada’s new peer review system include marketing professionals who would provide advice on promotional strategies for feature film projects under consideration for funding.

RECOMMENDATION 19

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada change its policy that requires Telefilm to include tax credits in the overall budget for a feature film.

RECOMMENDATION 20

The Committee recommends that Telefilm Canada harmonize its recoupment procedures for the two language markets.

RECOMMENDATION 21

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage carry out an evaluation and cost-benefit analysis of Telefilm Canada’s recoupment requirements.

RECOMMENDATION 22

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage develop and manage an initiative to provide ongoing support to film production companies, distributors, and exhibitors of Canadian films. This initiative should include a component that provides support for the transition to digital and e-cinema. It should also include a marketing component for a national film promotion strategy (e.g., an Internet portal, First Weekend Clubs, etc.).

RECOMMENDATION 23

The Committee recommends that a revised feature film policy recognize long-form documentaries.

RECOMMENDATION 24

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage establish a funding envelope in support of long-form documentaries.

RECOMMENDATION 25

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada review the use of treaty co-productions to ensure that Canada’s cultural interests are being met.

RECOMMENDATION 26

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage carry out an evaluation of the current mechanisms that support scriptwriting and script development with a focus on alternatives to the current system of support.

RECOMMENDATION 27

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage take a lead role in examining ways in which greater support, particularly for scriptwriting, can be given to creators from Canada’s  regions as well as its ethnic, Aboriginal and minority language communities.

RECOMMENDATION 28

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada develop a national policy for the funding and preservation of Canada’s cultural heritage. This policy should include the preservation of Canadian feature films.

RECOMMENDATION 29

The Committee recommends that the Department of Canadian Heritage work with Human Resources Development Canada and industry stakeholders to examine the feasibility of establishing a sectoral council for training in film and related studies.

RECOMMENDATION 30

The Committee recommends that the Government of Canada work with stakeholders to increase protections against video and cinema piracy and in particular urges the amendment of the Criminal Code to explicitly deal with this matter.