Service standards and performance information for high-volume regulatory authorizations - Canadian Heritage
As part of its ongoing commitment to provide quality client service, Canadian Heritage has developed service standards. Service standards increase predictability by stating the level of performance that citizens can reasonably expect to receive under normal circumstances.
Below is the link to our regulation subject to the categories of service standards for high-volume regulatory authorizations:
Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office
Title of Regulatory Authorization
- Certificates for the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) program
- Certificates for the Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC) program
Service Standard
On April 1, 2025, the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office (CAVCO) implemented a new service standard for processing applications to the CPTC and PSTC programs. This new service standard is 180 calendar days, from the day a complete application is received until the day the certificate is issued or denied, not including applicant delays.
In 2024-25, CAVCO’s service standard was 176 calendar days to issue certificates for tax credit applications.
Prior to 2024-25, CAVCO’s service standard was 120 business days, which is the equivalent to 176 calendar days.
Performance Target
The target for achieving this standard is set at 85%.
Performance Results
| Standard | Target | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Certificates for the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit program |
85% |
80% | 80% | 83% | 86% | 88% | 78% | 78% | 94% |
Certificates for the Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit program |
85% |
95% | 92% | 89% | 94% | 96% | 82% | 91% | 99% |
Applying for a Certificate
Applicants should visit the Film and video tax credits – CAVCO website for complete information on how to apply for a certificate for the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit programs.