On Screen Manitoba

On Screen Manitoba takes a leadership role in advocating for our industry’s best interests with government policy-makers.

By working together and speaking with one voice, On Screen Manitoba’s membership leverages our numbers and expertise to positively impact public policy from Winnipeg to Ottawa. Our goal is to ensure the maintenance of a healthy environment in which the screen-based media industry in Manitoba can be sustained and thrive.

On Screen Manitoba’s member-driven Policy Committee and issue working groups provide members a chance to get involved with our advocacy work. These groups work with staff and national industry organizations to research and develop our positions on key issues impacting members so that we can quickly and effectively communicate with policymakers. We also work to increase awareness and understanding of the industry and our contributions to Manitoba’s economy and culture.

Examples of our advocacy work:

• Serving on the Province of Manitoba’s Industry Task Force which developed an action plan to sustain the industry during a period of recession, increased international competition and market contraction.

• Working with the Workers Compensation Board to understand the complexities of our industry while they expanded compulsory coverage to media production workers. 

• Providing reports and recommendations to Manitoba Film & Music regarding enhancements to their programs and Manitoba’s production incentives.

• Serving on the Province of Manitoba’s Tax Credit Advisory Committee to provide an industry voice in reviewing policy and potential changes to the provincial tax credits.

• Preparing written interventions and appearing before the CRTC to voice Manitoba’s unique perspective on broadcaster regulatory issues.

• Meeting with government officials and elected representatives to promote understanding of our industry and to recommend changes to legislation and government programs.

POLICY PAPERS & GOVERNMENT FILINGS

National Advocacy:

• OSM presentation to Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, May 11, 2009
• CMF submission: OSM, NSMPIA, SMPIA, NB Film Advisory Com submit comments on Canada Media Fund (CMF) September 2009
• Federal Budget recommendations 2009 – Jan 6 2009
• Manitoba response to CRA re: Producer Fee Cap – Sept 21 2008
• I Vote for Culture window sign

CRTC submissions:

• Broadcasters license renewals 2009-411 – Sept 14 2009
• Broadcasters license renewals 2009-113 – Mar 30 2009

Provincial Advocacy:

• Request to change the Highway Transportation Act – Mar 5 2009
• Manitoba Educational Broadcaster one page pitch – Jan 2009

If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact Tara Walker at tara@onscreenmanitoba.com