B.C. Premier David Eby said that the province stands with workers in the B.C. film industry as U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new tariff over the weekend that could greatly impact Canadian and global film production.
Trump posted on Truth Social that a 100 per cent tariff on all movies produced outside the United States would be implemented, stating that the move was a matter of national security and economic urgency.
During a press conference in Victoria today about clean energy, Eby was asked about the latest Trump tariffs and what countermeasures B.C. could implement if the new policy were to be enacted.
The premier replied that the province had stepped up to support the industry that “touches every corner of our province,” and that the proposed 100 per cent tariff on all movies produced outside the U.S. would just hurt Americans.
“The president’s proposal is incredibly hard to understand,” added Eby. “Try to imagine, as an American, an option for two versions of Netflix. One where you get just a handful of productions, and the other, you pay $50 a month or $100 a month and you get to see what everyone else in the world gets to see. The implementation would be challenging, as an understatement.”
“Regardless, even if the president does somehow find a way, we will stand with our film industry and we’ll stand with the film industry around the world to make sure that we are protecting the rights of Americans to see what they want to see, which includes high-quality productions filmed right here in Canada.
According to the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, in 2023, the province’s motion picture industry created thousands of jobs for residents in the province and generated more than $2.6 billion in GDP.
Recent Hollywood blockbusters filmed in Vancouver include The Last of Us, Tron: Ares, and Black Mirror.
Just before Christmas 2024, the Government of British Columbia announced it would increase tax incentives for the film and television production industry to attract and encourage more productions in the province.
BC’s Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) for foreign projects increased from 28 per cent to 36 per cent for productions with principal photography. Furthermore, major big-budget productions with a B.C.-made production cost of over $200 million will receive a 2 per cent tax credit bonus.
As well, the provincial government has plans to restore the regional and distant location tax credits for local production companies with a brick-and-mortar presence outside of Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Whistler/Squamish.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also spoke out in response to Trump’s proposal of a 100 per cent tariff on foreign-produced films.
“This proposed tariff doesn’t just hurt Canadian cities like Vancouver. It threatens the strength and resiliency of an entire industry, especially in the United States, that thrives on collaboration,” said Sim in a statement. “We should be working together to create jobs, support talent, and build on our shared success. Not creating friction between neighbours and allies.
“Despite President Trump’s statement, Vancouver’s film industry isn’t going anywhere. We will continue to support world-class productions, champion innovation in visual effects, and provide an exceptional home for creative professionals from around the globe.”
Daily Hive has reached out to Creative BC and the Ministry of Jobs and will update this story when we receive a response.
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