Evidence of meeting #24 for Canadian Heritage in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was crtc.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
Michael Coteau Liberal Don Valley East, ON
Thank you so much, Chair.
I will continue with Mr. Fares from Disney.
First of all, I want to say that I think everyone in this room appreciates the work that companies like Disney do in Canada and the investments into our economy. We know that a lot of people get hired. A lot of the production increases, and it generates more tax revenue. We're very grateful for the work that your company does.
The size of a company like Disney, the impact it has and the fact that it does production and controls a platform as well makes it really difficult for small and medium-sized companies, production companies in Ontario and other parts of Canada, to compete in this space. That's why the Canadian content piece is such an important piece. Companies like Disney benefit. Millions of dollars go back into the company for film and television tax credits from many different provinces.
David, how would you expect small and medium-sized production companies to compete in the same space as Disney in Canada if there are not incentives like the Canadian content incentives and everyone was kept on an equal playing field when companies like Disney have a massive...? A $3-billion spend is incredible over three years, but it also controls the platform.
How do small and medium-sized production companies compete in the same space as yours if there's no distinction between the two?
12:35 p.m.
Vice President, Global Public Policy, The Walt Disney Company
I mentioned two local production companies we work with in Canada. We've helped build up those local, independent production companies in Canada. When we work with those production companies, they build that expertise. When they go and pitch their stories to others, they have the fact that they have worked with Disney behind them. That's a real boost.
I think we see our work in the marketplace being complementary to what goes on in the local marketplace. As I said, we're looking to develop a local content strategy. We're doing that right now.
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
Michael Coteau Liberal Don Valley East, ON
Don't you think that there should be some distinction between Disney and a small or medium-sized, Canadian-owned production company? How do they compete in that same space? Is there no distinction? As Canadians and as Canadian lawmakers and regulators, don't you think we should distinguish between the two so it creates a bit more fairness for Canadian-owned companies that want to grow in this space to end up being like a Disney one day?
12:35 p.m.
Vice President, Global Public Policy, The Walt Disney Company
I hope that many of them become a Disney one day.
I have a question to clarify something for you, if I might. Bill C-11 is going to regulate Disney+, not our production arms. I think that those are two different things. Are they not?
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
Michael Coteau Liberal Don Valley East, ON
Disney is the production company, and it controls a platform.
I do appreciate the work Disney does. Don't think for one second we don't appreciate the work you do here in Canada. You're investing, you're hiring and you're growing the sector. Thank you, David.
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
12:35 p.m.
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Two minutes is quite short, but I would like to ask Mr. Rogers the following question.
Earlier, you talked about the platforms that were partners of your organization and the major record companies. In your opinion, is francophone music growing and healthy on digital platforms?
12:35 p.m.
Chief Executive Officer, Music Canada
To be clear, the digital platforms are partners with everyone in this space, not just the majors. Our colleagues are in the independent space.
12:35 p.m.
Conservative
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
I will ask for unanimous consent to continue until we finish this round, please. That will only be eight minutes.
12:40 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
All right. Thank you, Ms. Thomas.
I'm very sorry, Monsieur Champoux, but you are unable to ask your question.
I want to thank all of the witnesses for coming here today and for taking such a long time with us and answering a variety of questions.
Thank you again. This meeting is adjourned.
