OTTAWA, April 28, 2014 - I would like to congratulate the recipients of the 18th Annual Writers Guild of Canada Screenwriting Awards, announced today in Toronto.
I am very proud of this year’s nominees and award winners, and I would like to thank all of them for their commitment to Canada’s screen-based industry. Our screenwriters play a vital role in shaping the stories that we watch on television, movie screens and digital devices.
The Canadian screen-based industry contributes to the vitality of our cultural life and is an important sector of our economy. In 2012–2013, the efforts of talented people working in film and television production in this country helped generate $5.8 billion for the economy and employed approximately 127,700 Canadians. Our filmmakers produce remarkable works, and our Government is pleased to provide them with support. Every year, we invest more than $600 million through Telefilm Canada, the National Film Board of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Canada Media Fund, and tax credits.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I congratulate the writers whose achievements and dedication were applauded this evening. I also commend the Writers Guild of Canada and its partners for honouring their valuable contributions to Canada’s cultural scene.
Marisa Monnin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
