Tourism is an inclusive sector that showcases Canada’s culture, diversity, natural beauty and unique experiences to the world. It delivers economic benefits across the country by supporting one in ten jobs. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing in our tourism sector’s businesses and assets.

“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

“Our government is making strategic investments that strengthen the tourism sector and enhance business development in all regions of Northern Ontario and across the country. These investments will help attract more visitors to the area, foster strong business growth and help maintain and create jobs.”

- Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming

“On behalf of all funding recipients and our many partners in the Lake Temiskaming Tour, I would like to thank FedNor and the federal government for these investments. The financial support announced today will help us grow and promote a variety of activities, events and festivals, and draw additional visitors to the region, which will be very beneficial for our local businesses.”

- Carman Kidd, Mayor, City of Temiskaming Shores

• 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.

Related products

• Backgrounder: FedNor investments to create jobs, boost tourism and help entrepreneurs throughout Timiskaming region and Northeastern Ontario.

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.

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