DEVELOPING NORTHERN ONTARIO’S TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW THE ECONOMY

Thursday, August 29, 2019 – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario—Tourism is an inclusive sector that showcases Canada’s culture, diversity, natural beauty and unique experiences to the world. It delivers economic benefits across the country by supporting one in ten jobs. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing in our tourism sector’s businesses and assets.

Today, Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced $230,000 in funding to help

Destination Northern Ontario (formerly known as Tourism Northern Ontario) develop two new tourism products. A contribution of $160,000 will be used to develop a world-class snowmobile region along Highway 11 North between Hearst and Temiskaming Shores, including the City of Timmins. The remaining $70,000 will support the development of a series of interactive itineraries for smart phone and tablet users that highlight the region’s francophone culture and experiential tourism opportunities.

This investment is being made through the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), which supports Canadian businesses and organizations seeking to create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences. FedNor is delivering CEF in Northern Ontario.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to support these initiatives that will develop francophone products and experiences, along with enhanced tourism products for the winter season. Strongly aligned with the Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, this investment will assist businesses to reach new markets, help communities to grow their economies and create jobs for the middle class.”

TERRY SHEEHAN

Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

“I am grateful to the Government of Canada for this support, through FedNor, that will help us develop and grow the region’s francophone tourism offerings with the goal of attracting culture-seeking visitors, French-speaking tourists and immigrants to the North. And by developing a premier snowmobile region, we aim to make Northeastern Ontario the ultimate snowmobile destination that builds on our strengths: long, cold winters with an abundance of snow.”

DAVID MACLACHLAN

Executive Director of Destination Northern Ontario

“These investments will enable communities and businesses in all regions of the country to develop tourism products and experiences to attract more tourists year-round. This will help communities big and small reap the benefits of the global tourism boom to diversify their economies and create good jobs for middle-class families while showcasing Canada’s brand, centred on shared values of diversity and equality.”

THE HONOURABLE MELANIE JOLY

Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Innovation doesn’t only happen in big cities; it happens in all regions of Canada. That’s why our regional development agencies play an important role in helping businesses turn innovation into economic growth and good jobs for Canadians. Through the Canadian Experiences Fund, our government is investing in the development of our tourism sector and the economic potential of our vibrant communities.”

THE HONOURABLE NAVDEEP BAINS

Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

Quick Facts

This announcement takes place in support of Minister Joly’s recent announcement of a new tourism strategy: Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. The Strategy, which was developed based on feedback from Canadians and the work of the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy, highlights the importance of Canada’s tourism sector as an economic driver for communities across the country.
Tourism represents more than 2% of Canada’s gross domestic product and supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada.
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor, which is one of Canada’s six regional development agencies supporting economic development in every region of Canada.
Regional development agencies are one of Canada’s four flagship platforms supporting innovation, along with the Industrial Research Assistance Program, Strategic Innovation Fund and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.

Related Links

Guidelines on the Canadian Experiences Fund in Northern Ontario
To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca.
Follow us on Twitter: @FedNor.
Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA

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