Government’s 2024 Budget Praised by NFB

The National Film Board of Canada (NFB), a renowned public institution, is dedicated to the production and distribution of films and digital media. For over eight decades, the NFB has been at the forefront, showcasing Canadian culture, creativity, and diversity through its distinctive audiovisual productions. As a federal cultural agency, the NFB plays a pivotal role in bringing Canadian narratives and perspectives to both domestic and international audiences.

In the recently unveiled 2024 Federal Budget, the Canadian government has demonstrated its robust support for the film industry, allocating an additional $120 million in funding. This significant investment underscores the government’s recognition of the NFB’s role in shaping Canada’s cultural landscape and global image.

The NFB’s 2024-25 Departmental Plan, which outlines the organization’s objectives and initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year, shows how this budgetary increase will aid the NFB in achieving its goals and continuing to produce relevant, thought-provoking content that resonates with viewers. By maintaining its commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering relationships with Indigenous peoples, and engaging with official-language minority communities, the NFB aims to showcase the breadth and depth of Canadian creativity, while advocating for a more inclusive and representative film industry.

Highlights from the 2024 Budget

The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) lauded the federal government for its profound recognition of the vital role a diverse and dynamic Canadian audiovisual sector plays in today’s federal budget.

Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO of the CMPA, remarked, “These investments come at a critical time as the industry continues to find its footing, following multiple years of turbulence and uncertainty. Today’s budget is a win for creators and audiences alike, and I want to thank the Hon. Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the entire federal government for their ongoing support of Canada’s media production sector”.

The federal budget has earmarked substantial funds to bolster the Canadian media and entertainment landscape. Notably, a provision of $42 million has been set aside for CBC/Radio-Canada news and entertainment programming, ensuring the continuation of high-quality, homegrown content. Furthermore, the Canada Media Fund will receive a $40 million allocation over a two-year span, enabling it to maintain its support for media productions, particularly those led by equity-deserving groups.

The budget also officially incorporates the previously announced $100 million Telefilm Canada funding over a two-year span, providing a much-needed boost to the Canadian film industry. Additionally, the Toronto International Film Festival will benefit from a $23 million allocation over a three-year span, solidifying its position as a premier global film event. The budget also officially incorporates the $65 million Indigenous Screen Office funding over a five-year span, fostering the growth and development of Indigenous-led media and entertainment initiatives. Among a multitude of other investments designed to bolster Canadian media companies and creators across the nation.

NFB’s 2024-25 Departmental Plan

The National Film Board of Canada has shared its main goals and plans for the next three years in the 2024-25 Departmental Plan. The NFB wants to engage Canadians with high-quality content that reflects their values and interests and to continue to improve and innovate in storytelling.

The NFB’s key priorities for 2024-25 are:

1. Audiovisual Programming and Production: The NFB will work on creating content that entertains, inspires, and encourages dialogue. It will also focus on improving its production processes and tools.
2. Content Accessibility and Audience Engagement: The NFB will aim to increase its audience in Canada and worldwide by making its content more accessible on digital platforms and collaborating with streaming services. It will also work on strengthening its relationship with its audience.
3. Internal Services: The NFB will strive to be an important player in the Canadian audiovisual industry and to become a more efficient and flexible organization.

The NFB has budgeted $37,079,225 for Audiovisual Programming and Production and $23,093,384 for Content Accessibility and Audience Engagement. It will also monitor its expenses and look for ways to reduce them. The NFB’s Departmental Results Framework outlines its goals and how it will measure its progress towards them.

Wrapping Up

The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) has welcomed the Canadian government’s 2024 Federal Budget, which includes a significant investment of $120 million in the film industry. This funding will enable the NFB to achieve its objectives and continue to produce high-quality, relevant content that showcases the diversity and creativity of Canada. The budget also includes provisions for other important media and entertainment initiatives, such as funding for CBC/Radio-Canada and the Canada Media Fund. The NFB’s 2024-25 Departmental Plan outlines its key priorities, including Audiovisual Programming and Production, Content Accessibility and Audience Engagement, and Internal Services. With this increased funding and a clear plan in place, the NFB is well-positioned to continue its important work in shaping Canada’s cultural landscape and global image.