HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s premier says his government is willing to meet with representatives of the province’s film industry, but it won’t change its revamped tax incentive program.

Screen Nova Scotia has requested an emergency meeting with Stephen McNeil in light of the impending closure of industry suppliers PS Atlantic and SIM Digital, which it linked to the decision to replace the province’s film tax credit.

McNeil says Business Minister Mark Furey is willing to meet and answer any questions about the implementation of the government’s new program.

But he says the cash-strapped province simply can’t afford to subsidize the industry at a rate of 65 cents for every dollar.

McNeil says the film industry remains one of the highest subsidized sectors, even with the changes to the incentive.

Projects can get a 25 per cent refund on all production costs including labour under the $10 million film incentive fund, which replaced a $24-million tax credit that gave projects a 50 per cent rebate for labour costs.