Government of Canada Tightens Management Controls for Film and Television Production
HULL, September 13, 2000 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today made public the Report on the Federal Support System for Television and Film. Based on a system-wide risk assessment, the government's enhanced management control framework includes audit and performance measurement plans and the system-wide action plan for implementation. This follows the review of the federal systems of support to film and television productions conducted in November 1999 and released in February 2000."Last fall, in response to allegations in the media concerning the film and television industry, we began a process of rigorous analysis and evaluation," said Minister Copps. "Although this process has confirmed that our practices are sound, it has pointed to areas where the system can be improved and identified the tools to get the job done."
The review, with recommendations for an enhanced management control framework, was prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers in response to the findings of the February 2000 report. The work was the result of a combined effort of all system partner organisations, including the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office (CAVCO), Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, the Canadian Television Fund and Telefilm Canada, under the supervision of the Chair of the Heritage Portfolio's Heads of Audit and the Deputy Comptroller General, Government of Canada.
The consistent theme of the recommendations is the need for better information sharing and cooperation between system partner organizations. In addition to the system-wide coordination delivered by the action plan, Minister Copps has instructed the Department of Canadian Heritage to consult the industry and the creators of Canada's film and television productions on the report.
"Following the review of federal support to film and television productions, I directed the Department to implement corrective measures. I asked that they conduct a comprehensive risk analysis, develop a better management control framework and establish a certification audit process at CAVCO," said Minister Copps. "I am pleased to be able to report that all these measures have been implemented. We have put in place mechanisms that strengthen our support of film and television."
The follow-up report, management response and action plan can be found on the Department's website at http://www.pch.gc.ca.
Background working documents can be obtained from the Department by contacting Kevin Hill, Corporate Review Branch, Department of Canadian Heritage, (819) 994-1143.
Information:
Krista Pawley
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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