Filming in Nunavut is expensive because of travel and logistics. To help, the territory offers film production incentives and rebates. These programs give back a portion of your Nunavut spending. The Nunavut Film Development Corporation (NFDC) runs these programs to support local screen industries and Inuit creators.
Nunavut does not use the tax system for film support like other provinces. Instead, support comes through repayable spend incentives and targeted funding programs. It is important to understand how these work before you plan your project.
The Nunavut Spend Incentive Program is the main rebate for film production. It returns a percentage of eligible spending in Nunavut.
How it works
Funding rates
Eligible productions include
Key eligibility requirements
This program is the closest Nunavut has to a traditional film rebate, but it is repayable funding, not a tax refund.
The Market Endowment Program helps Nunavut filmmakers reach markets where they can sell, finance, or distribute their projects. It is not a production rebate.
What it covers
Funding amount
Who can apply
This program supports the business side of filmmaking and can be used with production incentives.
The Learning Fund helps build skills for Nunavut crew and producers.
Funding available
Eligible uses
This funding helps build Nunavut-based talent, making future productions stronger and more eligible for incentives.
Nunavut does not have a refundable or transferable film tax credit like Ontario or BC. Instead:
Many productions use Nunavut incentives together with federal film tax credits like the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, if they qualify.
If you want to compare Nunavut programs with other provinces, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter film funding options by province and industry.
Thinking Nunavut has a tax credit
The Nunavut Spend Incentive Program is not a CRA tax credit. It is repayable funding from NFDC.
Including non-Nunavut expenses
Only spending on goods and services in Nunavut counts toward the incentive.
Missing producer residency rules
At least one producer must live in Nunavut. Missing this rule is a common reason for declined applications.
Skipping distribution plans for large budgets
Stream II projects over $500,000 need a broadcaster or distributor agreement.
Q: Is the Nunavut Spend Incentive Program a rebate or a grant?
It works like a rebate but is legally repayable funding, not a grant or tax credit.
Q: How much funding can I receive from Nunavut film incentives?
You can get up to 27% or 17% of eligible Nunavut production costs, depending on the stream.
Q: Can Nunavut incentives be combined with federal film tax credits?
Yes. Nunavut funding can often be stacked with federal film tax credits if you meet all rules for each program.
Q: Do I need to be a Nunavut-based company to apply?
No. Companies from anywhere in Canada can apply, but at least one producer must live in Nunavut.
Q: Does the Market Endowment Program cover production costs?
No. It covers market attendance, travel, and promotion, not filming or post-production.
Nunavut film production incentives can lower your filming costs, but only if you plan your project to meet all rules from the start. To find Nunavut film incentives that match your budget and team, visit GrantHub and explore active film and media funding programs across Canada.
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