Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee members.
I am going to speak for a while and then the rest of the gang will also speak within the context just so I don't sound like I'm droning on by minute 12.
My name is Michael Hennessy, and, Chair, you have introduced us for the record, so that is fine.
Before I delve into specifics, just allow me to share some preliminary thoughts. First, it is well known that we have a world renowned and respected film industry because of the support and collaboration of government, so let me begin by thanking you for that support. In particular, we'd like to thank the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages for her unwavering commitment to our sector.
We know that the government fully appreciates the vital importance of film in helping to define Canada as a nation and to reflect the stories of different communities both geographic, and increasingly, virtual communities.
Film and audiovisual content in general can also make a contribution to our overall economy directly in terms of the creation of high-skilled jobs, inward investment, and exports; and indirectly in terms of raising our country’s brand internationally.
The government’s film policy of 2000 clearly states that film matters. This sentiment was echoed by this committee in 2005, which was the last time the committee examined the feature film industry. That said, we understand and deeply appreciate that the committee is not seeking to question the importance or relevance of the feature film industry to Canadians, to the economy, or to our national identity. The end game is not in question, but rather we wish to explore the best means to achieve our objectives going forward.
Mark.