The people and businesses of Kenora will benefit from new opportunities provided by the digital economy thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $30,713 in the Kenora Public Library.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in projects that create real-world job opportunities for talented young Canadians to help them secure long-term, meaningful employment. FedNor’s youth internship initiative is helping young graduates gain the skills they need to build their careers right here in Northern Ontario, while supporting worthwhile regional economic development projects that grow our economy and create opportunities for all Canadians.”

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

“Our government’s investment in Northwestern Ontario’s digital economy will support growth in the film and television industry, and help our youth and young adults build the skills they need to live and work right here at home.  This Digital Creator Program further demonstrates how innovation and technology can help Northern Ontario communities capitalize on new opportunities and help create good middle-class jobs.”

- The Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora

“We would like to thank FedNor and the Government of Canada for this investment. Thanks to our new Digital Program Coordinator, the Kenora Public Library will more effectively encourage youth and emerging artists to explore digital technologies that inspire creative experimentation, peer networking, collaboration, civic engagement, and hands-on learning using various media arts disciplines. This project will have a positive cultural impact by increasing participation in the media arts sector and encouraging participants to become active producers of digital culture.

- Maureen Wasacase, Chair of the Kenora Public Library

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

• 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.

• The Digital Creator North program is a partnership between the Kenora Public Library and the Near North Mobile Media Lab (NNMML) in North Bay to encourage young adults to develop the skills and training necessary to become active participants in the digital economy.

Associated links

• 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.

Paul Denis
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-507-0539
paul.denis@canada.ca