Cuts to National Film Board

Jse-Che Lam and Michelle Solomon prepared and email and letter sent to educators and NFB supporters. I strongly support their actions -- the NFB is a national treasure (and candidly a very inexpensive way to get Canada good press around the world -- helping business if we need a mercenary reason to support the arts). Jse-Che writes:

I need some help in ensuring that people respond to the cuts that have decimated the NFB in Montreal and Toronto. The federal government has made deep cuts to all areas of operations within their civil service. One of the bodies affected is the National Film Board. This essentially means that the offices in Toronto and Montreal will be closed as of September 30th and staff will be reassigned. I was so busy paying attention to the CBC that I completely got blindsided by this one.

This is a disservice to students' learning. The NFB delivers top notch programming to students and excellent professional development opportunities to educators. The press release that the NFB issued suggests that most of their work is now available online now so their theatres are now not as relevant as they were before. If you have used the NFB services at all you will realize that this is underestimating the necessity of having people who are patrons' first point of contact.

The CBC which has faced deep cuts as well has their own iconic faces to ensure that the Conservatives cuts can be challenged in public and remain at the forefront of any debates about the Conservatives' federal budget. In contrast, this isn't the case for the NFB.

James Moore is the Minister of Heritage and he spoke about protecting the institutions that enshrine Canadian heritage. He has not done this.

I have attached a letter that I drafted with the help of another educator, Michelle Solomon:

1. Please add your name and contract information at the beginning of the letter and then add your name in the complimentary closing

2. Either print it and put it into an envelope and mail it to Moore's office in Ottawa OR email it to Moore (contact information follows)

3. Share with other people, including educators, who you know.

Ottawa Office

James Moore MP

House of Commons

Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A5

613.992.9650

James.Moore@parl.gc.ca

The Honourable James Moore, M.P.P.

Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

12th Floor

15 Eddy Street

Gatineau, QC

K1A 0M5

Sunday April 8th 2012

Dear Minister Moore,

I am writing to express my disappointment with the Government of Canada’s decision to eliminate critical services at the National Film Board offices in both Toronto and Montreal. Your party asserted its intent to encourage economic growth and job creation, especially in ways that would encourage innovation, investment, education, and skills.

The NFB’s legacy is deeply felt. This important institution grew from its origins as the country’s propaganda machine during World War II and has become an essential part of Canada’s cultural identity. No other country has a federal body which is so integral to preserving our nation’s heritage. The NFB provide Canadians with a pathway to Canada’s past and give us the opportunity to learn about the plight of fellow Canadians.

When you assumed the portfolio of Canadian heritage, you assured Canadians of your commitment to the arts. The NFB is more than just an arts institution; over the years, it has earned recognition with international awards and distinction for innovation. This year alone, two of its films were nominated for an Oscar, putting Canada on the map of global filmmaking. It is because of the NFB’s advocacy for documentary filmmaking that Canada remains at the forefront of innovation and achievement.

Eliminating the staff in both Montreal and Toronto is devastating to those of us who have become devoted patrons of the National Film Board. The front line staff at these offices have developed a strong connection with the communities that they serve. The NFB may have raised its profile through its online digital archives but their influence and impact run much deeper. The employees are the heart of the organization, delivering exceptional service as archivists and information specialists to the general public, in addition to creating and promoting exceptional programming for the communities they serve. They work tirelessly to ensure that Canadians have the opportunity to learn about our troops in Afghanistan, First Nations history, Canada and its global influence. The NFB employees, quite simply, are the driving force behind the institution and the gatekeepers of national identity and nationhood.

As a Canadian, I urge you to use your role to protect the National Film Board and to rethink this decision. Their loss is our loss.

Sincerely,