News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

March 6, 2020

Manitoba Government Removes Red Tape Around Film Production Traffic Control

– – –
Local Traffic Authority Will Permit Use of Certified Flag Persons to Control Traffic: Ministers

Manitoba’s thriving film production industry will benefit from proposed changes to The Highway Traffic Act that would give them more flexibility to acquire traffic control services on roads, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today.

“These legislative changes will provide more options to organizations that require traffic control services for film productions or special events that use Manitoba roads and ease the demand on law enforcement for traffic control services,” said Schuler.  “Without these legislative changes, organizations may decide to forgo Manitoba as a production location if they face challenges in securing traffic control services.”

The changes would allow a traffic authority (either the province or municipalities) to permit certified flag people to temporarily control traffic, in situations where it is safe to do so.  Traffic control on Manitoba roads is currently limited to, in case of emergency, police, RCMP and firefighters, and railway companies and contractors performing road maintenance and construction.

“Our government made a throne speech commitment to boost film and television production in the province, and our growing film and video industry is projected to generate more than $250 million into our economy in 2019-20,” said Cox.  “Demand in rural Manitoba for law enforcement to provide traffic control services for film productions continues to increase, and this proposed amendment will help the film and video industry continue to grow.”

“Manitoba Film and Music supports the amendment to The Highway Traffic Act which would allow certified flag people to manage traffic flow where appropriate for film shoots,” said Rachel Rusen Margolis, CEO and film commissioner, Manitoba Film and Music.  “This amendment would ultimately result in savings for film productions shooting on provincial highways, providing an additional incentive for off-shore productions who choose Manitoba as a shooting location.”

“The RCMP in Manitoba has long supported film and television production by providing officers to help direct and control traffic at locations across the province,” said Assistant Commissioner Jane MacLatchy, commanding officer of the Manitoba RCMP.  “This amendment will allow our officers to focus on core policing duties and will help to ensure that we continue to provide the very best in front-line policing services to our communities.”

Flag people used to control traffic would need a valid flag person certificate from an accredited training provider.  The province provides approval for flag person-training providers in Manitoba.

- 30 -