Government of Canada supports enhanced tourism experiences across southern Ontario
News release
Ten organizations expand experiences and attract more visitors with Government of Canada support
January 15, 2025 – Windsor, Ontario
Southern Ontario offers unique organizations and attractions that showcase our country's history, geography, culture and experiences that bring people into our communities to see all that Canada has to offer. By attracting Canadian and international travellers, these destinations also create good local jobs and economic growth in communities.
Today, the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, announced an investment of over $1.4 million for 10 organizations across southern Ontario, including six projects in Windsor-Essex, that are diversifying their offerings and contributing to attracting more visitors.
At the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC), Minister Sahota and PS Kusmierczyk celebrated the organization's work to promote diversity and multiculturalism in the Windsor-Essex region. This includes offering the Carrousel of the Nations, a two-week summer festival that immerses residents and visitors in local cultural experiences. With a $45,000-investment, the MCC will support the 2025 Carrousel of the Nations festival to increase awareness, promotion, signage and more to those visiting the various cultural villages.
Information on the 10 projects receiving support through the Tourism Growth Program is included in the backgrounder.
Quotes
"Tourism businesses offer uniquely Canadian experiences to visitors and locals alike. The 10 tourism businesses and organizations highlighted today are economic cornerstones in their communities across southern Ontario, creating jobs and contributing to the region's overall prosperity. The Government of Canada knows the value in supporting tourism businesses and organizations who showcase the unique experiences and attractions southern Ontario has to offer."
– The Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
"Southern Ontario's tourism industry is an incredibly important economic driver and provides jobs for Canadians from all walks of life. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is happy to support local organizations, like the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, and many more across the region. As we continue to invest in the industry, we'll help bring more domestic and international visitors to the region to discover all that it has to offer."
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism
"Tourism businesses and organizations are not only vital for economic growth, but they also strengthen the social fabric of a community and preserve its unique identity for future generations to enjoy. Here in Windsor-Essex, our local tourism operators and organizations are integral to our community, with lasting impacts on residents and visitors."
– Irek Kusmierczyk, Parliamentary Secretary for Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh
"Carrousel of the Nations is a staple within the Windsor-Essex community and a top festival event in all of Ontario. This year, we celebrate 50 years, and the support from FedDev Ontario will be instrumental in providing the best Carrousel of the Nations event in 2025."
– Fred Francis, Executive Director, Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County
Quick facts
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Incorporated in 1976, the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC) is a not-for-profit charitable organization that creates a welcoming community for all through education, community engagement and the promotion of diversity and equality.
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Canada's regional development agencies are delivering the $108-million Tourism Growth Program, over three years, to support businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $400 million in over 1,000 tourism-related businesses and organizations.
Associated links
Contacts
Sara Kasum
Digital Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Sara.Kasum@feddevontario.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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