It is the eve of the Provincial Election in Ontario, and I’m worried. Worried is an understatement. I fear for the future of our province, and my friends and colleagues in the media and games development industry in the light of the increasing chance of a majority Conservative government. Some say press should remain neutral in the reporting of politics, but I can’t sit idly by as the chances of the support system of an established and successful industry is on the verge of being dismantled.
It is easy, the Conservative government is bad for Ontario. I could attack Doug Ford personally and point out his own financial irresponsibility, his dangerous attitude towards women’s healthcare and proper sex education, or just a bunch of really not good things he has said. However, we need to remember that the party is more than just him and there is more to worry about. Therefore, it is even easier to say that a potential Conservative government is bad for the games and arts industry.
At a town hall meeting done by Interactive Ontario and speaking to party members about their platforms, the Conservatives didn’t even bother to show up. While the NDP, Liberal and Green party members took time show up and discuss arts and media funding, tax credits, and other very relevant information, the PCs sit out and instead talk about finding 5.6 billion dollar “efficiencies”. In the past, Ford himself has proposed massive cuts to arts funding, library funding, and media funding. The Ontario Media Development Corporation, Ontario Arts Council, and dozens of other grants and programs help create both economic development and culture in the province. As reported in 2017 by the Financial Post, and the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, the games industry in Ontario is home to 171 game companies that provide over 3800 jobs to highly skilled workers. These companies can exist thanks to tax credits, grants, and a support system that has previously flourished over the last decade of liberal government.
The PCs talk about supporting business but it isn’t as simple as cutting taxes by a percentage points, there is an entire system that will be compromised by the proposed cuts. Post-secondary education in the industry, such as schools like Sheridan, Seneca, or OCAD rely on the support of non-profit organizations and government funding. Here in Toronto groups/events like The Hand Eye Society, TCAF, Dames Making Games, Level Up Showcase, and the Toronto Game Jam, receive important funding from media and arts grants and provincial support. These organizations and events give community to the industry, give guidance to independent developers, and help shape the future industry leaders. Looking at the Toronto Comics and Arts Festival for example, as reported by Comicsbeat in 2015, TCAF is the most popular and profitable indie comic creator showcase in North America. It does wonders for the city in terms of tourism, it helps support independent creators, and fosters a sense of community. These organizations are the lifeblood of arts and culture in Ontario.
This is also a call to action for the remaining Liberal supporters. Support and vote NDP. We are in dire need of electoral reform in both this province and this country, and because of this the Conservative party is going to get a majority government without the majority of the votes. That is a whole separate issue, but by throwing our weight behind a singular opposition, we can force the PCs into a minority government instead and give the NDP the power to fight them at every turn.
The official statement of Third Person and it’s editorial staff is we stand with, and in support of, the organizations and individuals who help make Ontario a home for game and arts development.
