HALIFAX — Members of Nova Scotia's film and television industry including actors from the Trailer Park Boys are rallying outside the provincial legislature today to protest a proposed cut to a tax credit.
People in the film and TV sector say the $24 million annual incentive should be left untouched because it is vital to their industry.
The Liberal government has proposed cutting the tax credit to $6 million as of July 1, saying it can't afford to keep it as it is.
The entertainment industry would also have access to a $6 million creative sector fund under changes announced in last week's budget.
Some people working in the industry met with Finance Minister Diana Whalen on Tuesday and said they felt a compromise can be reached to resolve the dispute.
At the rally today in Halifax, actor Jonathan Torrens — who co-hosted Street Cents and has starred as the character J-Roc in the Trailer Park Boys — called on the government to change course.
"We are here as taxpayers, we are here as voters and we are here as skilled labourers who want to stay in this place we love," Torrens told hundreds of people at the demonstration.
Comedian Cathy Jones also spoke on a stage before supporters, some of whom were carrying placards reading "We support #NSFilmJobs" and "We want to stay."
"This film industry is massive and beautiful and to mess with it is a major mistake," said Jones as people clapped and cheered.
Eight police officers blocked the entrance of the legislature.
