A new federal/provincial agreement to develop B.C.'s communications and cultural industries was recently established. The two-year agreement is designed to assist in the development and application of innovative technology. It will also help the communications and cultural sectors in the creation of new internal and external markets for their products and services.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Federal Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honorable Michel Dupuy said "Canada is becoming known the world over for the quality of the products emerging from its cultural industries. By helping to identify and develop new markets for B.C. producers, we will help a national industry attain greater long-term viability." He later added "The ability of the communications industry to bring competitive and innovative products to domestic and international markets is a key ingredient to economic growth and job creation."
Some of the objectives of the agreement are to:
The agreement provides for Canada and British Columbia to each provide up to $4.5 million in funding. Funding will be available for, among other things:
Further details on the program are expected to be announced shortly.