Canada has taken another step towards a possible official film and TV co-production agreement with India by launching an online consultation of its co-production treaty on audiovisual content.

“Last September, at the Toronto International Film Festival, I announced that our government was entering co-production negotiations with India. This was a first step in confirming our commitment to support Canada’s film and television production industry by positioning Canada as a coproduction partner of choice,” federal heritage minister James Moore said in a statement while launching the consultation.

Canadian filmmakers routinely shoot films in India, and Bollywood directors use Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto as locales for their own movies.

At the same time, Canada has long resisted signing a co-production agreement with India, despite having one with around 50 nations worldwide.

That reticence changed in June 2010 when Canada signed an initial memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation with India to showcase Canadian movies in India, and Bollywood films in Canada.

“The implementation of Canada’s Policy on Audiovisual Treaty Coproduction is the next step in paving the way for future coproduction treaty negotiations between Canada and its partners,” Moore explained.

Interested parties have until March 24 to offer online feedback on a proposed model treaty, on negotiations and renegotiations of coproduction treaties, and on simplifying procedures for certification.