Page 6A - THE NEWS REVIEW - Thursday, May 24, 2012
Canada’s trade efforts across the waters
Whether it is a sail, a motor, or a heart, everything that moves needs something to push it forward. Canada’s economy too, depends on engines. One of our most powerful, especially in challenging economic times, is trade. “Our country’s prosperity is linked to reaching beyond our borders for economic opportunities that serve to grow Canada’s trade and investment,” says the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. A joint study with the European Union has found that an ambitious free trade agreement between Canada and the EU could create 80,000 new Canadian jobs and add $1000 worth of extra income to the average Canadian family’s income. Our government hopes to roll out that agreement, called the Canadian European Trade Agreement (CETA) before the end of 2012. The European Union has 27 member states and a population of over 500 million. It is the world’s largest integrated economy, with a gross domestic product of over $17 trillion. After the U.S., it is Canada’s largest merchandise export market. Our top merchandise exports in 2011 to the EU were precious stones and metals, machinery and equipment, mineral fuels and oils, mineral ores and aerospace products.
Parliamentary Report Op-Ed Column by Garry Breitkreuz But we also import from the EU. In 2011, our top merchandise imports were machinery and equipment, mineral fuels and oils, pharmaceutical products, vehicles and vehicle parts and electrical and electronic machinery and equipment. Minister Fast wants Canadians to know that our government remains squarely focused on what matters to Canadian workers and families: growth and long-term prosperity. He added that deepening Canada’s trading relationships with lucrative markets like the EU are key to these efforts. To that end, in late April, numerous members of the government fanned out across Canada to make Canadians aware of how trade with the EU would benefit our country. CETA is an exciting opportuni-
ty for Canadian workers and businesses. Once in place, it would create jobs, spur growth and encourage long-term prosperity in every region of our country. Many business leaders have voiced strong approval for freer trading arrangements. Catherine Swift, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, says that many businesses welcome the CETA agreement as it will make it easier for these firms to take advantage of opportunities in the enormous European market. Kathleen Sullivan, Executive Director of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, agrees. “A Canada-EU trade agreement is vital to expanding markets for Canadian agriculture and food products. Canada exports half of its agri-food production. It is critical that we continue to identify new export opportunities for our high-quality products.” President and CEO of Alliance Grain Traders Inc., Murad Al-Katib, also agrees. “A trade agreement with the EU represents an opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to increase growth and create jobs by diversifying their exports.” For more information on the benefits CETA would bring each province and territory, and a listing of myths versus facts, please visit: www.international. gc.ca.
Funding cuts kill movie dream By SHANNON DEVEAU N-R Writer
She had been working on the project for years, and just when it seemed it was all coming together, Yorkton’s Gayle Schuster says a provincial funding cut killed her dream. Back in the 80s Schuster began working on a writing project – it was a labor of love, a story as told to by her grandparents when she was a child. After years of research and compiling information she says she realized the story, which pertains in large part to this area, had the makings of a quality feature film. “It’s a pioneering story, a turn of the century story. It starts of down in the United States at Abe Lincoln’s inauguration and it ends up in the Parkland of Saskatchewan. It’s about settlement, but it’s about a whole lot more. It’s a love story, there’s drama, adventure, there are a lot of aspects to it... it’s a really good film and it highlights this area. “I thought it could be sort of a signature story for Saskatchewan. It’s a story about our province.” Not knowing quite how to go about the whole process Schuster says she began researching film projects and also got ahold of some producers – both in Saskatchewan and in Ontario. “They told me I would need a script. So I had to teach myself how to write a script. I’d never done anything like that before.” A copywriter for the local television station back in the 70s Schuster says she had some knowhow, but to adapt her story to a movie script was a challenge – yet a challenge she was able to meet. Once complete, she had two “bites” on the script. Both a Regina production company and one out of Toronto agreed to look at the possibility of producing the film which she says producers estimated would require an $8 million film budget. That was then and this is now. When the provincial government announced the demise of the Saskatchewan Film and Employment Tax Credit
Schuster says her film career went with it. “The project was ready to go. They were seriously looking at it and the tax cut ended it... If Saskatchewan loses this – and it looks as though we will – there will be no films made in this prov-
“This story is about the people in this province and our stories are never going to be told...” – Gayle Schuster ince. It’s ending to the industry as we know it here. There will be no Corner Gas... there will be none of the shows that we have come to know and love...” “They eliminated SCN and now this... and without that producers can’t work in this province.” Presently says Schuster, every province in Canada and every state – now with the exception of Saskatchewan – has a film tax credit. “And yet this province has decided that the producers in this province can function without one.” While with each passing day she believes it may be a losing battle, Schuster says she is hoping the provincial government will have a change of heart on the matter of the tax credit. “People are marching on the legislature steps every day... we want to get this reversed... if they don’t there’s no way the film industry can survive in this province.” While there is a small hope the film may get picked up outside of Saskatchewan Schuster questions, “why would an out of province producer want to pick up a film that’s about Saskatchewan? They’re more likely to pick one that’s from their own province...” And that puts Saskatchewan films in jeopardy she says.
“This story is about the people in this province and our stories are never going to be told...” Not only that she says, but economically the province will suffer as a result also she believes. “That is the other component of this whole thing. To my knowledge, Yorkton has never had a feature film shot here... when you bring that to an area... there are spin-offs. It involves tourism, it’s huge... hotels, restaurants, caterers, taxis, the list goes on and on as to all the services that would be used and that’s what Yorkton is going to be losing as well.” Schuster says she hopes the people of Saskatchewan will stand up and speak out to help turn the situation around. She recommends people get in touch their MLA, and even write to the premier. “For every dollar the government puts into a film project, the province gets $6 back in return in terms of spin-offs... It’s a huge thing and this is a big mistake. It’s poor business.”
SOUL MEETS COUNTRY – Irish-born and Canadian-based Stephen Maguire has been compared to Johnny Reid with his edgy vocals, thought-provoking songwriting and commanding stage presence. This weekend Yorkton residents will be treated to two live performances. Maguire released his debut album in March 2010. ‘Irish Soul’ is enjoying radio play in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Australia, Africa, Canada and the U.S., and was recently reviewed by Jackie Hayden, who signed U2 to their first record contract. He began his career in musicals performing at leading venues in N. Ireland, including the Grand Opera House, Lyric Theatre and Belfast Waterfront. He also appeared at the Manchester Apollo Theatre (England) and His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen (Scotland). Today the talented performer calls Saskatchewan home and this Friday and Saturday he will be performing in Yorkton. On Friday a show takes place in conjunction with the Yorkton Film Festival and Saturday he will perform at the Royal Canadian Legion beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Yorkton Co-op
GOOD EARTHS SHOP Every Wednesday Seniors will receive
GROCERY DELIVERY
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday Direct Line 783-8011 Phone between 9 - 11 a.m. to get your groceries delivered
25% OFF All regular priced tablets & capsules. Linden Square Mall Yorkton
782-5300
30 Argyle St., Yorkton
783-3601
You’ve got Seniority! SENIORS DISCOUNT 2nd Friday and Last Friday of the month
112 Fenson Cres. Next to Yorkton Acupuncture
306-782-8529
Stop in at Boston Pizza, pick up your card that entitles you to one free, hot, non-alcoholic beverage with the purchase of a meal
Limit one per customer per visit - Dine in only, no cash value 226 Broadway St. SE Valid only at Yorkton, SK 783-4444