Liberals seek changes in film tax bill

Canadian duo says law C-10 contains censorship

By BRENDAN KELLY

MONTREAL -- Canada's film and TV industry has applauded Liberal senators Francis Fox and Wilfred Moore's introduction of amendments to the ruling Conservative Party's controversial Bill C-10, a proposed law industryites fear amounts to closet censorship.

It's still not clear, however, if the Liberal senators' plan -- unveiled Wednesday -- will succeed in derailing the legislation.

Tory finance minister Jim Flaherty has said his government will consider any proposed changes to Bill C-10 as worthy of a confidence vote in the House of Commons, which could result in a federal election. The Conservatives are a minority government and can only pass votes with the help of the opposition parties.

The Liberal senators oppose giving the heritage minister the right to refuse tax credits for a project just because the films or TV shows are "contrary to public policy."

At the same time, they are in favor of allowing the government to withdraw funding for productions if the film or TV show is in violation of the criminal code.

The Liberals also want to give Canadian producers a legal option that will allow them to appeal if the heritage minister withdraws the tax credits because of violent or sexual content. The Liberals also support a law preventing government financing of pornography.

"What we are proposing are amendments that will protect this vital industry as well as the principle of artistic freedom," said Fox.

Canadian producers and actors immediately backed the Liberals' proposals.

"Canada's independent film and television producers feel that they have been listened to and understood," said Canadian Film and Television Production Assn. CEO Guy Mayson. "These amendments to Bill C-10 would help return stability to our industry."

The actors union, the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists, was also pleased by the Liberals' amendments.

"ACTRA and the film and television community have been very brave and vocal in decrying Bill C-10," said ACTRA national president Richard Hardacre. "We are fortunate to have so many in our membership who are willing to sound the alarm when their voices are threatened. This fight isn't over, though our efforts have been heard by the Senate."

The bill is currently being examined at by the Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce.