As professional performers we know this danger all too well. We've seen and felt firsthand the dramatic changes our sector has undergone. We know that standing still only means falling further behind.
Amidst the reality of shifting audience habits, revolutionary technological upheaval, and an ever-shifting global marketplace, Canadian content is not only critical to our national identity, but it aIso plays an increasingly important role in our nation's financial well-being.
Content creation is the essence of our digital economy. According to The Conference Board of Canada, Canadian cultural industries contribute more than $85 billion, or 7.4%, to our GDP, and more than 1.1 million jobs to our economy. Additionally, in a report released by the Canadian Media Production Association earlier this year, total production volumes related to Canadian content films alone, in 2013 and 2014, totalled $376 million and supported 8,100 full-time equivalent jobs. Foreign film production in Canada during that same time period accounted for $857 million and just over 18,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
lt's clear that culture is not a frill. It is a major industry based on renewable resources. Given the right tools, Canada's content creators and cultural industries will continue to play a leading role in economic innovation and growth, job creation, and the development of new digital technologies.
Stephen.