REGINA — Equipment supplier William F. White International is pulling out of Saskatchewan because of the province’s declining production numbers.

The move brings five jobs and the company’s 10-year stay in Regina to an end, while raising fears that the hard times in the province are about to get harder yet.

‘It’s going to be a real loss,” says provincial general manger Andrew Gordon who, like the rest of his staff, will be out of work by the end of the month.

Members of the local film community were shocked to hear of White’s closure. PS Production Services still operates in the province, but White is known for donating equipment to small, independent filmmakers. (Know more? Email us!)

‘They were a huge supporter of the local independent filmmaking scene,’ says Gordon Pepper, executive director of the Saskatchewan Filmpool.

Production volumes have since 2008 dropped 70% to some $44 million, a slump critics blame on the provincial government’s failure to improve the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit. Meanwhile, its main competitor Manitoba has been quick to make changes, and starting next month offers a 30% break on all labor and production costs.

Saskatchewan currently offers a 55% credit on just labor.

The Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association — which last week hosted a town hall meeting to discuss the provincial industry’s woes — has suggested the government dole out tax credits to producers earlier to reduce interim financing charges. Currently, tax credits are paid out 12 to 18 months after productions are complete.

Stephen Onda, president of SMPIA, hopes White’s withdrawal will send a strong message to government.

‘If we want to keep our infrastructure, the province will have to stay competitive,’ says Onda.

But it’s unlikely changes will come soon. The provincial government this month delivered a budget that reduces overall government spending by $121.3 million, one casualty of which was edu-channel SCN, which will be off air by May.

‘With the dramatic decline in production, we are being forced, in the short term, to look to other provinces for employment,’ says Terry Mialkowsky, a local assistant director and locations