The NWT government says the territory’s film rebate program, offering financial incentives to attract productions to the North, will begin an expansion from December 1.
The GNWT is promising a simplified and more efficient application process with adjusted criteria that “prioritize projects that bring the greatest economic and professional benefits to NWT businesses and film suppliers.”
The program’s budget will be doubled from $500,000 this year to $1 million in 2025-26 and future years, the territory said on Friday.
Industry minister Caitlin Cleveland called the expansion “a major milestone.”
Music videos and commercials will be supported by the film rebate program for the first time, the GNWT stated in a news release, while multi-year funding may be made available.
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Film rebates are widely used by jurisdictions to attract productions in the hope that they provide a local economic boost.
The GNWT says the territory’s program has so far attracted “an estimated $8.90 in economic activity” for every dollar it spent.
“With increased funding and updated guidelines, the NWT Film Commission anticipates greater interest and investment in film production across the Northwest Territories,” the territorial government stated.
The GNWT noted that budget increases had been “supported by MLAs” when they were finalized earlier this year.
At the time, Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart had said the existing rebate program was “scratching the surface of our potential.”
“The multipliers within the film industry in the Northwest Territories are absolutely incredible, and so being able to capitalize on that is definitely worth our investment for sure,” Cleveland responded.
