If elected in May, B.C.’s NDP government will boost the film and TV production industry’s tax credit by 7% to a 40% labour tax credit.

That’s the commitment that came from NDP leader Adrian Dix this week, ahead of the May 14 provincial election.

“Tax credits put in place by the NDP in the 1990s and increased by the Liberals, helped B.C.’s film and television industry grow into one of the busiest and best in the world,” said Dix in a statement. “The growth in these creative industries has also made our province a hub for film, TV and digital media education with over 20 post-secondary schools in operation today.”

“However, in recent years, BC suffered a decline in production after Ontario introduced a new film and TV tax credit regime boosting production in that province significantly,” Dix added. “To rebuild and grow the industry, we will take steps to ensure its competitiveness and restore our position as the pre-eminent production centre in Canada.”

B.C.’s current tax credit stands at 33% labour costs for foreign productions, and 35% for domestic productions. Dix said an NDP government will increase the tax credits to 40% for both foreign and domestic B.C.-shot productions.

The province’s digital animation or visual effects tax credit will remain the same, at 17.5% of eligible labour expenditures.

According to a release from the NDP, the projected cost of the increased tax credits would total an estimated $45 million annually, and the estimated net provincial revenue would be $93 million, based on direct and induced economic activity.

A labour tax credit, versus all-spend, would also create jobs for local industry and crew.

The promise comes during an uncertain time in the province for the film and TV industry. The Liberal government’s recently-released B.C. Jobs Plan was met with industry criticism for leaving out the film, TV and digital media industries, and the new B.C. Creative Futures strategies also received a lukewarm reception.

The production industry has in the past few months rallied for more competitive tax credits comparable to those of Ontario and Quebec to spur production activity in the province and restore jobs.

The proposed boost to the tax credit program from the NDP would seemingly level the industry playing field for B.C.

“We are pleased that the B.C. NDP recognizes the value and potential of a thriving production sector in this province. Competitive tax credits are an imperative in today’s global production market. The BC industry stands among the best in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and London and with a level playing field our future opportunities for employment, investment and growth are extremely promising,” said BC MPPIA chair Peter Leitch in a statement.