Federal budget: CTF gets funding extended by a year
The Canadian Television Fund (CTF) made it into Finance minister Paul Martin’s Dec. 10 federal budget, but not for long-term funding that the industry was hoping for. The federal government earmarked $100 million for the CTF for next year. "The industry was hoping for (longer funding), but certainly given current circumstances, we’re just thrilled to be in there at all," CTF director of communications Phil Serruya tells CCR. "For us, it’s a demonstration that the government continues its support and understanding of Canadian television – not just for cultural aspects for its economic activity in the country." He adds that participants in a Telefilm Canada summit that wrapped up today in Montreal were to sign a letter thanking the federal government for the renewed contribution and expressing a wish for long-term financing for the CTF. "Certainly, there are efforts underway to see (long-term funding) happen," he says. Also included in the budget was $60 million in previously announced new funding for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. While Industry minister Brian Tobin did not receive funding for his broadband initiative, the budget did include $110 million to build and operate CA*net 4, which will benefit research organizations across the country, and continued funding for the SchoolNet and Community Access programs. SchoolNet and Community Access were given $40 million for 2003-04, and $35 million a year was set aside for three years thereafter. For more reaction on the budget, see the upcoming edition of CCR. More details: