Nova Scotia announces tax break to support young screen workers

Nova Scotia has unveiled a programme to help attract and retain young workers in the film and video industry. 

It's an expansion of the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades (MOST) programme.

Film and video operators under the age of 30 are eligible for the scheme which will see a return on their provincial income tax paid on the first $50,000 of eligible income earned.

Head of government, Tim Houston, announced the news by video from the set of the television series Sullivan’s Crossing in Halifax.

“Government is focused on supporting a strong film and video industry by investing in young skilled workers so they can build their lives here and contribute to our growing economy,” said local premier Houston. “We recognise there are labour gaps for this growing industry, so we are taking concrete action to address the problem now to help the film industry grow sustainably and become a year-round economic generator.”

The MOST programme will be in effect for the 2022 income tax year. Eligible workers can apply and qualify for their refund after they file their 2022 income tax return as local residents and receive a notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. 

As needs in other sectors are identified, MOST will expand to include additional occupations.

(Main image credit: From left, Laura MacKenzie, exec director of Screen Nova Scotia; Communities, Culture, Tourism and heritage minister Pat Dunn; and Sullivan's Crossing set dresser William Greig at the tax incentive announcement in Halifax. Via CBC)