The Canadian film and television industry is a significant contributor to the nation's economy and cultural identity. In 2023 alone, it generated approximately 240,000 jobs and contributed a substantial $14.05 billion to Canada's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This economic impact underscores the industry's importance as a driver of employment and revenue generation. Beyond its economic contributions, the arts sector as a whole plays a crucial role in shaping Canada's national identity, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, fostering a sense of national pride and intercultural understanding.
However, the industry faces significant challenges. Recent budget cuts to key institutions such as Telefilm Canada and the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) have created a more difficult funding landscape. These cuts disproportionately affect diverse voices and emerging artists, making it increasingly challenging for them to secure funding and share their stories with a broader audience. This in turn has a ripple effect on the industry, limiting the range of perspectives and stories that are represented in Canadian film and television.
As a long-time advocate for the arts, with experience as a film producer with Righteous Pictures, an actor, and an ACTRA union member, I am deeply committed to supporting and strengthening Canada's creative industries. This commitment includes advocating for increased funding and support for Canadian artists, filmmakers, and cultural institutions.
By ensuring adequate funding and resources, we can enable Canadian artists to flourish and continue to produce high-quality content that reflects the diversity and richness of Canadian culture. Sustained support for the arts is an important part of affirming Canada's cultural sovereignty and ensuring that Canadian stories continue to be told, sung, danced, painted and portrayed by Canadian creators.
Three Key Initiatives in support of the Arts in Canada
Frank Baylis's pledge includes three key initiatives to bolster the Canadian arts industry:
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Increasing the overall Government of Canada budget for the arts – Recognizing that the arts industry is a major economic driver and job creator, Frank Baylis will increase funding to ensure that artists and creators across the creative industries have the resources to sustain their work.
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Expanding support for diverse filmmakers through Telefilm – Frank Baylis will push for increased investment in diverse and underrepresented voices in Canadian cinema, ensuring that filmmakers from all backgrounds have access to production funding.
- Protecting CBC Canada and Radio-Canada from threats to public broadcasting – In the face of potential funding cuts, Frank Baylis is committed to safeguarding Canada's public broadcasters, ensuring that Canadian stories and voices remain a cornerstone of the country's media landscape. While Pierre Poilievre has proposed funding cuts and even threatened to shut down the CBC, Frank Baylis pledges to strengthen and uphold an institution that plays a crucial role in Canada's cultural identity, and in informing and uniting Canadians.
Frank Baylis co-produced the Radio-Canada ICI-Télé documentary My Friend Omar, which exposes the flaws in Canada's closed permit visa system, advocating for the rights of migrant workers who are often trapped in unfair conditions. He also co-produced and acted in the recent feature-length film Undocumented / Sans papiers / Sin papeles (2023) directed by Christian de la Cortina.
Frank’s leadership presents a vision for a future where Canada's artists, entrepreneurs, and working-class citizens are not just surviving, but thriving. With his clear plan, unwavering grassroots support, and a movement driven by people who believe in his leadership, Frank Baylis is ready to lead Canada forward.