Brenda Bailey, Executive Director of DigiBC, has participated in a number of industry consultations to ensure the Interactive Digital Media sector’s voice is being heard by our government. DigiBC represented your interests at the following important meetings over the past month.

September 13, 2018
Brenda participated in the Roundtable Discussion with Dr. Arvind Gupta: Government of Canada’s National Digital and Data Consultations. The primary focus of this consultation was planning in regard to future talent shortages.

Brenda, with the assistance of Peter Greenwood (CFO, Blackbird Interactive) and Sarah Tutton Frost (Tax Director, EA), presented to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as they held public consultations for the 2019 budget. DigiBC put forward the following recommendations:

1) Increase BC Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (BCIDMTC) from 17.5% to 25%
2) Create a regional diversification incentive in the BCIDMTC by adding an additional 10% for rural and northern regions

In addition to presenting to the Standing Committee, DigiBC will be hosting an MLA luncheon in Victoria on October 31, taking meetings with key government officials, and presenting an updated recommendations document to the Ministry of Finance. Industry members are most welcome to come meet with MLAs and put forward the case to support our sector. Please contact brenda@digibc.org should you be able to join us in Victoria on October 31.

September 19, 2018
This was an opportunity to speak with Andrew Weaver as he led a lively discussion on the future of work at the Centre of Digital Media. Jill Tipping of BC Tech and Dr. Weaver co-moderated a panel of students who shared their views on what the future looks like.

September 25, 2018
Brenda attended the Premier’s Event at the Bill Reid Gallery, which provided an opportunity to share our message with Carol James, Minister of Finance, Rob Fleming, Minister of Education, Premier John Horgan, Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology.

October 10, 2018
Brenda participated in the Tech Strategy Framework Consultation with the Honourable Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. This two-hour consultation provided industry representatives the opportunity to give feedback on the newly announced government tech framework.