While Wall admitted Wednesday we know that freer trade is not perfect that doesnt give him absolution from picking a single winner in a losing Saskatchewan film industry he deemed unworthy when he did away with the Film Employment Tax Credit in the 2012 budget. To now pull a $1.5-million subsidy out of the Tourism Saskatchewan budget (under the bizarre auspices the film try to incorporate as many Rouleau-area sunsets as possible) is actually a far more hideous hidden subsidization. And lets face it: It was done to avoid the political embarrassment of the Saskatchewanbased story being filmed in Manitoba or Alberta, where government film subsidies are still available. Even more bizarre is Walls explanation he would like to see all provinces follow Saskatchewans lead and end film industry subsidization - something that not going to happen given that were the only North American jurisdiction without a film subsidy. Yet, almost in the same breath Wednesday, Wall also said he would happily provide government subsidies for another Saskatchewan-based movie, like the George Reed story. Huh? So we tolerate trade barriers if they produce something popular and politically beneficial? Free trade is never quite free.
Posted on: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 15:53:34 +0000