Provided by Members of the Official Opposition, NDP, of the Committee on Canadian Heritage

The members of the Official Opposition on the Heritage Committee would like to thank all the witnesses for their contribution to the study on the Entertainment Software Industry.  We believe the committee’s report sufficiently reflects the evidence put forward by witnesses, although a number of the recommendations require further definition and explanation.

Supplements to Recommendation #3 (Temporary foreign workers)

As in other technical sectors where highly specialized skills are sometimes required, the NDP recognizes the challenges the industry may face in terms of its labour force. However, the recommendation regarding the recruitment of specialized foreign workers fails to underscore an important point about the management of the program by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program should not supplant a job opportunity that could be filled by a Canadian or permanent resident in Canada. The public has repeatedly seen evidence that the program is being mis-managed. It is failing to ensure that Canadians and permanent residents have the first opportunity for jobs that are created. Therefore, the Official Opposition insists that CIC and HRSDC only permit temporary foreign workers to fill a position when there are no Canadians or permanent residents able to fill them.

The NDP recognizes that the entertainment software industry may be bringing in temporary foreign workers to train workers in Canada in their specialized fields. However, CIC and HRSDC should only permit these cases when a Canadian or permanent resident is not available.

Supplement to Recommendation #6 Federal tax credits) 

This recommendation, along with the whole report, fails to address the important issue of research and development tax credits.  The NDP recommends that the Government delay the planned $500 million cut to the SR&ED program and instead, consult with industry on improving support for business R&D that do not result in a net loss of funding.

Supplement to Recommendation # 7 (Canadian Media Fund)

Witnesses have indicated that that the Canadian Media Fund (CMF) may be well placed to support the video game industry, especially for new entrants into the market place. As the government reviews the performance of the CMF, the NDP agrees that the government should review how the Fund adequately responds to the needs of the sector.  However, the NDP insists that this shouldn’t translate into a loss of government support for other media sectors.

Supplement to Recommendation #8 (Broadband internet access)

The NDP fully endorses efforts to bring broadband internet access to all Canadians. However, this recommendation does not go far enough. Canada needs a national digital strategy that addresses issues such as internet access, privacy, and the digital economy. The Conservatives have failed to provide a vision for how the government will address the many challenges that arise with the digital age.