Investing in Northern Ontario’s creative economy to spur business growth and create jobs

Press Release

Government of Canada funding to help attract cultural industries private sector investment

April 23, 2019 – Sudbury, ON — Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario — FedNor

Local residents and businesses will benefit from improved opportunities and a stronger economy thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $850,000. This FedNor funding will enable Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION) to advance the development and promotion of the region’s digital and film media, TV and music industries.

The announcement was made today by Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, and Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Specifically, the funding will support CION’s ongoing operations for a three-year period and help to attract private sector investment in film and television projects, creating new revenue opportunities for communities, artists and production professionals living and working in the region.

Quotes

“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment in Cultural Industries Ontario North is building on our competitive advantages by strengthening the music and film industries to boost economic growth and create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Investing in Northern Ontario’s creative economy will help to level the economic playing field and create new opportunities for the region’s digital and film media, TV and music industries. I am proud that our government is investing in CION to create good middle-class jobs and accelerate the growth of these emerging sectors.”

– Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“The Government of Canada recognizes the unique needs of Northern Ontario and is investing to support businesses and organizations that help improve the social and economic well-being of our region. This strategic investment in CION will further position our region as a leader in the creative economy and improve the quality of life for families who live and work in the North.”

– Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

“We are experiencing a dramatic increase in the film, television, media arts production and music sectors in Northern Ontario. FedNor and the Government of Canada’s investment in CION ensures the continued growth of good jobs in our region, while building a sustainable media arts industry that will enhance and benefit the economy and encourage a healthy production culture across Northern Ontario.”

– Tammy Frick, Associate Executive Director, Cultural Industries Ontario North
Quick facts

The funding announced today is provided through FedNor, which supports projects in Northern Ontario that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business growth and facilitate innovation.
Since December 2015, FedNor approved more than $180 million in support of 553 projects in Northern Ontario, which leveraged an additional $311 million from other sources.
Since 2016 and through successive budgets, the Government of Canada has earmarked an additional $62 million for FedNor in support of various initiatives to enable the organization to further strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy and create even more middle-class jobs for Canadians.
The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario outlines the Government of Canada’s approach to ensure the region can fully benefit from the national Innovation and Skills Plan. It is focused on three key economic development areas: supporting innovation; growing companies; and building stronger communities.

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