The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) and the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) have both ratified an 18-month extension of their Independent Production Agreement (IPA).

The agreement was previously set to expire on June 30, 2022, but has now been extended until December 31, 2023. It will see the minimum script fees increase by 3% effective on July 1, 2022, and a boost to the budget thresholds under the Low-Budget Television Production Incentive by 3% effective on July 1, 2022.

The CMPA/WGC IPA establishes the terms, conditions and rates for writers, story editors, and story consultants. The two groups reached an agreement in principle on the IPA in May after negotiations.

In a statement, WGC president Alex Levine said the agreement “protects Canadian screenwriters” and maintains its strong relationship with the CMPA.

“As our government looks to modernize the Broadcasting Act with Bill C-11, our relationship with our producing partners is more important than ever,” said Levine.

Sean Porter, VP of national industrial relations and counsel at the CMPA, said the extension will create stability “as the industry continues to recover from the challenges of the pandemic.”

“We thank our negotiating partners at the WGC for their commitment and diligent work throughout these negotiations,” said Porter.

The CMPA and the Association québécoise de la production médiatique ratified a new three-year Independent Production Agreement with the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists last December.

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