Today, Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced funding of $225,000 to complete necessary infrastructure upgrades to the 1,000 acres of farmland required for Verner to host the 2019 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM). Specific infrastructure work includes new culverts and drainage systems, road enhancements, site improvements and fencing.

“These investments will enable communities and businesses in all regions of the country to develop tourism products and experiences to attract more tourists year-round. This will help communities big and small reap the benefits of the global tourism boom to diversify their economies and create good jobs for middle-class families while showcasing Canada’s brand, centred on shared values of diversity and equality.”

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Innovation doesn’t only happen in big cities; it happens in all regions of Canada. That’s why our regional development agencies play an important role in helping businesses turn innovation into economic growth and good jobs for Canadians. Through the Canadian Experiences Fund, our government is investing in the development of our tourism sector and the economic potential of our vibrant communities.”

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

“It’s an exciting day for tourism and economic growth in Northern Ontario. Today’s announcement directly helps bring people to the West Nipissing region for IPM 2019. This means we are helping to fill hotels, restaurants and shops with tourists from around the world – many of whom are likely to return to explore our beautiful region. We are truly excited to showcase what our region has to offer and I encourage all to attend and take part!”

- Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

“Hosting IPM 2019 is an historic opportunity for West Nipissing and I’m thrilled that FedNor is investing to help us capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime event. By investing in tourism infrastructure as well as effective marketing and promotions, the Government of Canada is helping to ensure the social and economic benefits of IPM 2019 will last for many years to come.”

- Neil Fox, Chair, IPM 2019

• This announcement takes place in support of Minister Joly’s recent announcement of a new tourism strategy: Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. The Strategy, which was developed based on feedback from Canadians and the work of the Advisory Council on Jobs and the Visitor Economy, highlights the importance of Canada’s tourism sector as an economic driver for communities across the country.

• Tourism represents more than 2% of Canada’s gross domestic product and supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada.

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor, which is one of Canada’s six regional development agencies supporting economic development in every region of Canada.

• Regional development agencies are one of Canada’s four flagship platforms supporting innovation, along with the Industrial Research Assistance Program, Strategic Innovation Fund and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.

Associated links

• Guidelines on the Canadian Experiences Fund in Northern Ontario.
• 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.

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