Letter to Canadian Heritage Minister Rodriguez about insufficient NFB funding

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Canadian Heritage
15 Eddy Street, 12th Floor
Gatineau, QuebecK1A 0M5
By email: hon.pablo.rodriguez@pch.gc.ca

May 9, 2022

Dear Minister Rodriguez,

On behalf of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) employees represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), I am writing today to express my grave concerns over the clearly insufficient resources allocated to the NFB in the latest federal budget.

The government doesn't seem to be increasing the NFB'S funding to match inflation, and appears to still be clawing back funds from its operating budget to repay expenses related to its recent move to modern new facilities in downtown Montreal.

As the country’s public film producer and distributor, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is an invaluable resource to all Canadians. Its filmmakers develop content of the highest quality and to continue with its important work, the NFB requires stable, predictable funding to keep up with the private sector and rising costs.

The NFB’s operating budget has been stretched thin over recent years - and the extra $15 million in costs incurred to move its facilities is putting even more pressure on it. These extra expenses must be adequately supported by the federal government. It is unacceptable that the latter is asking the NFB to reimburse it for these expenses while not adequately increasing its budget.

When we consider all of these issues, the funding for the NFB is at a 20-year low. As the Minister Responsible, how will you ensure that the organization has the resources it needs to continue producing essential Canadian content?

I have asked my staff to contact your office to request a meeting to discuss these issues. I look forward to your response, and remain

Sincerely Yours,

Jennifer Carr
President, Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada