Accelerating growth in Northern Ontario through innovation and the sciences

News release

Government of Canada invests to maximize the tourism and economic potential of municipalities and Indigenous communities

April 17, 2019 – Sudbury – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor

Northern Ontario families, communities and visitors to the region will benefit from a strong economy, access to exciting, new science experiences, as well as increased tourism opportunities thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $350,000. The FedNor funding will enable Science North to develop and tour a customized version of its Beyond Human Limits travelling exhibit to enhance tourism and create new economic opportunities across Northern Ontario.

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

Beyond Human Limits is a high-energy exhibit that highlights the stories, experiences and motivation of extreme athletes through numerous interactive and hands-on displays. This strategic investment will enable Science North to develop and exhibit Beyond Human Limits during the summer of 2019 in various communities across the region in venues such as the Thunder Bay Museum, Kenora Discovery Centre, Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, Science Timmins and North Bay Discovery Museum. During its 2019 summer tour of the region, Science North anticipates more than 18,000 visitors will experience Beyond Human Limits, leading to increased local spending, new tourism opportunities and access to exciting, new science experiences for residents.

Quotes

"Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment in Science North builds on our competitive advantages and will result in increasing business opportunities, boosting economic growth and creating good, middle-class jobs for Canadians."

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

“Tourism is a major economic driver for Northern Ontario and I’m proud that the Government of Canada is investing in Science North to support this key sector of our economy. Today’s announcement helps to demonstrate how our Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario is enabling communities to respond to opportunities that create jobs and growth here at home in Sudbury and across the region.”

- Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury 

“The Government of Canada is proud to invest in strategic initiatives that create middle-class jobs, boost tourism, and enhance business development and growth in Northern Ontario communities. This investment in Science North will help create a positive tourism experience that will engage visitors, create new business opportunities and support future growth and sustainability.”

- Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

“As Canada’s 2nd largest science centre and largest tourism asset to Northern Ontario, it is crucial that Science North continually offer changing visitor experiences that engage new and repeat audiences and support tourism in communities across Northern Ontario. This investment by the Government of Canada will help Science North expand its reach and depth of engagement with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, including youth, women and Indigenous audiences, in communities across Northern Ontario.”

- Scott Lund, Chair, Science North Board of Trustees

“Developing ‘Made in Northern Ontario’ hands-on and interactive travelling exhibitions on current topics such as the exciting world of extreme sports, allows Science North to stimulate the Northern economy through job creation and skill development and uphold Science North’s reputation as a world-leader in science education and quality visitor experiences.”

- Guy Labine, Science North CEO

Quick facts

  • Budget 2019 proposes more than $58 million over two years in support of a new Canadian Experiences Fund to be delivered by the Regional Development Agencies across Canada, including FedNor in Northern Ontario. The fund will be in line with a new Federal Strategy on Jobs and the Visitor Economy now being developed.

  • 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.

  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

  • Science North is located in the City of Greater Sudbury, and along with Dynamic Earth (earth sciences centre), has been a centre for science education, entertainment experiences and a premier tourist attraction in Northern Ontario since 1984. Science North has a mandate to offer a program of science learning across Northern Ontario and does this through a variety of outreach initiatives including school programs, summer science camps, science festivals, and working with Northern partners to bring engaging science experiences to Northern communities.

Associated links

Contacts

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca

Page details

Date modified: