Investment to boost sports tourism and create business opportunities in Thunder Bay area

News release

Government of Canada investment helps promote the 2019 TELUS Cup National Midget Hockey Championship

April 26, 2019 — Thunder Bay, ON — Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario — FedNor

Residents, families and businesses in Thunder Bay and area will experience first-hand the benefits of hosting the 2019 TELUS Cup, Canada's 46th annual national midget hockey championship, thanks in part to a $25,000 investment from the Government of Canada. The FedNor funding has enabled the organization to promote the event to a wide audience and increase planned visitation to Thunder Bay from across the nation.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North, and Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

The 2019 TELUS Cup, taking place in Thunder Bay from April 22nd to 28th, 2019, will feature 19 games between six teams, including the host team (Thunder Bay Kings), representing five Canadian regions (Atlantic, Central, Pacific, Quebec, and Western). The event is expected to generate approximately $6 million in economic activity and bring national attention to the city when its final game is televised on the TSN and RDS networks.

Quotes

“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment in support of this major sporting event is building on our competitive advantages by creating increased business opportunities 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

“Major sports tourism events such as the TELUS Cup are important economic drivers for our communities. Our government is proud to support local efforts to boost the economy through increased tourism and the development of business opportunities.”

- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

“I am pleased that the 2019 Telus Cup will be receiving funding through FedNor. Hockey is a sport that brings so much to Canadian communities, and it has been great to host the tournament in Thunder Bay this year. The players have really demonstrated the hard work, responsibility, leadership and team work it takes to succeed in sport. Congratulations to the players, coaches, volunteers and organizing team on a very successful tournament!”

- Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

“We are grateful for this Government of Canada support through FedNor as it enabled us to promote this national youth hockey event to an even greater audience. Thunder Bay is passionate about its hockey and we are pleased for this opportunity to share our passion all the while contributing to growing the local economy.”

- Michael Power, President of the Thunder Bay Kings

Quick facts

  • 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.

Associated links

Contacts

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

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