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By Rohini Arora, MLA for Burnaby East

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Supporting the interactive digital media in B.C.

Jul 17, 2025 | 10:30 AM

THERE’S NEVER BEEN a more important time to support and grow our own industries here in B.C. For many of us that brings to mind the food we grow, the fish we catch and the lumber we harvest right here in the province.

But did you know B.C. also has a thriving video game development industry? More than 20,000 jobs are supported by what’s known as the interactive digital media sector and there’s still room to grow, creating even more good family supporting jobs for British Columbians.

That’s why we’re backing video game and virtual reality developers with a permanent Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.

This credit allows businesses to claim 25 per cent of salaries and wages paid during development of interactive media, including video games and simulators. It will help companies attract and keep skilled workers and spark new investment, so B.C. continues to be home to world-class creators.

As we push back on the threat of tariffs and work to lead Canada’s economy, we know that many industries have struggled. B.C. needs healthy rural communities and strong sectors like forestry and manufacturing.

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That’s why we’ve invested in those areas through programs like the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund and we’re urging Ottawa to deliver on its promise to support workers and industry in the face of tariffs.

While we collaborate with the federal government on large industries like forestry and manufacturing, we’re also stepping in to fill the gaps in others.

CreativeBC estimates that the digital media sector contributes roughly $1.9 billion to our economy each year. But the industry has faced serious challenges. Since the pandemic, many companies have experienced major layoffs. People are anxious about their future, and they deserve support, too.

This tax credit means companies can keep talented workers like designers, modelers, artists and others working in good paying jobs which ultimately means a more stable future.

These permanent changes will benefit developers of all kinds from global studios like EA to the smaller independent teams making their mark right here in B.C.

Whether it’s farming, forestry, manufacturing, or interactive media, the work we’re doing across this province is all part of a larger plan: to build a strong economy, protect and provide more opportunities for good jobs for the working people of B.C.