DEREK GRATZ
KELOWNA – The Kelowna Chamber is keeping a close eye on the newest tariff threat from the U.S. – a 100% tariff on all films produced outside of the United States and released in the states.
We’ve all seen the film crews locally in the Okanagan: employing dozens of Canadians in a wide range of jobs, shooting not only Canadian-destined films, but many Hollywood projects shot in Canada. The Canadian Media Producers Associations counted foreign productions value in 2024 at $4.73 billion – and with that, 90,000 jobs in Canada.
There are doubts that the threat will be put into effect. Reactions range from amazement to concern. Premier David Eby says the newest threat “raises a red flag” and encouraged the Prime Minister to stand up to the U.S. President in the projected Tuesday trade talks.
The Okanagan film industry is the fastest growing in B.C. nearing $100 million dollars in annual productions. Last month, Okanagan Film Commissioner Jon Summerland said he was optimistic that the attractive Canadian dollar and other incentives would continue to attract filmmakers to the Okanagan.
Derek Gratz, President of the Kelowna Chamber says, “This newest threat would be a tremendous blow to our film industry which while robust is also fragile, and subject to upturns and downturns, depending on government policies and now, tariff threats. We will do everything we can to help protect the local film industry from this latest risk.”
Currently there are no details on how the tariffs would be implemented to prevent what the U.S. government is calling a national security threat.
Derek Gratz is President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
