Masi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have spoken in this House on the need to diversify our economy quite a few times during this sitting by offering suggestions on tourism, tax reform, and developing our knowledge economy, and showing clear examples of how private sector has got that ball rolling. The last ten years, northern industry has provided more pride to us Northerners than the film industry, from thrilling reality TV that unique Northerners perform in in their equally unique jobs to feature films that focus on our stories, living our way of life, never before has the rest of the country and indeed the world been so curious with our spectacular Northwest Territories. I, for one, think we must do as much as we can to keep that industry in motion.
Mr. Speaker, earlier today, the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment spoke about Take One, the NWT Film Strategy and Action Plan. Those involved in creating Take One suggested, Mr. Speaker, that these recommendations need to be completed in a timely manner if the industry is to remain sustainable. Implementing the film rebate program was a great first step by this government, and continuing to support it in this budget is a positive measure. There is still much to do.
We need to assist local production companies grow into more established businesses that can hire locally and that can provide professional standardization of the industry. We also need to incentivize more productions outside of the capital so that all of our communities can benefit and demonstrate our diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. We, as leaders, must be partners with northern filmmakers so that we can support their endeavours while also creating more awareness that the North has award-winning filmmakers, festivals, and locations that film companies will want to invest in.
Mr. Speaker, as you and my colleagues might have been able to tell by now, I am the theatrical sort. This comes from my life-long passion for film. Before public service became my vocation, I even considered pursuing that passion professionally. Great Northerners like Amos Scott, Jay Bulckaert, Terry Woolf and Pablo Saravanja have devoted their careers and talents to making our film industry flourish. Let’s demonstrate that commitment to them by assuring their industry will not be left on the government's cutting room floor when choosing its priorities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.