FedNor announces over $3.8 million to fuel Northern Ontario’s tourism sector
News release
Federal government continues to support the tourism sector for a strong recovery and future growth
April 22, 2022 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Canada's tourism sector is essential to the Canadian economy. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector was generating $102 billion in annual economic activity, 1.8 million jobs and accounted for over two per cent of Canada’s GDP. In Northern Ontario, the sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. During these challenging times, the Government of Canada is stepping up efforts to support tourism businesses and organizations, as well as municipalities and Indigenous communities so they are well positioned to succeed as our economy reopens.
Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced tourism investments totaling $3,862,756 for four projects designed to support Indigenous communities and tourism businesses, enhance tourism offerings and accelerate recovery efforts across Northern Ontario. Provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program and Tourism Relief Fund, the funded initiatives are expected to create and maintain more than 180 jobs, while helping to generate more than $100 million in economic benefits for the region’s tourism sector.
Of the total, Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) will receive $2,162,756 to support tourism recovery efforts in more than 50 Indigenous communities. The funding is also helping ITO, in partnership with Science North, to launch the Indigenous Ingenuity travelling exhibit. The remaining $1.7 million will allow Science North to implement its three-year COVID-19 Recovery Plan and roll out the Great Northern Ontario Roadshow, a series of more than 50 flagship events designed to highlight incredible opportunities for cultural, art, heritage, culinary and recreational tourism that exist in the region. For more project details, please see backgrounder.
Canada has much to offer travellers from all over the world: breathtaking landscapes and wide open spaces; diverse and inclusive experiences; and exceptional people who provide outstanding service. Combined with a strong focus on health and safety and high COVID-19 vaccination rates, Canada is among the most alluring and smartest destination choices for visitors.
Quotes
“Tourism is a key sector in Northern Ontario and is essential to the economy of our region and to Canada. Today’s funding will protect and save jobs, support businesses and bolster regional recovery efforts. Northern Ontario is a fabulous place to visit to experience Indigenous culture and many unique destinations. I look forward to welcoming tourists to this beautiful region.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Today’s announcement will help our tourism sector launch a strong recovery and enjoy sustainable growth, while supporting more than 180 jobs in Indigenous communities and municipalities across Northern Ontario. Through intensified support for tourism and key sectors of the economy, we are further positioning Greater Sudbury and the entire region as a world-class destination with so many experiences, attractions and wide-open spaces to discover.”
- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“Science North has been a key tourism and economic driver in Northern Ontario for nearly 40 years, collaborating with partner attractions to increase access to exciting new science and cultural experiences. This strong show of support demonstrates confidence in the work we do by supporting our recovery and helping us kick-start a resurgence in home-grown tourism that will lead to economic recovery across the region.”
- Jennifer Booth, Interim CEO, Science North
“Indigenous Tourism Ontario is extremely proud to be working very closely with FedNor to directly support Indigenous tourism operators, while creating new opportunities within the sector. We believe this type of mutually beneficial regional collaboration is what will lead to a renewed, rejuvenated and prosperous tourism recovery for all.”
- Kevin Eshkawkogan, President & CEO, Indigenous Tourism Ontario
Quick facts
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The tourism sector is a key contributor to the Canadian economy. In 2019, tourism generated over $104 billion in revenue and directly employed 692,000 people, including those in underrepresented groups like women, students, racialized people, and Indigenous populations.
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ITO is a provincial not-for-profit and membership association which focuses on creating partnerships between associations, organizations, government departments, and industry leaders from across Ontario and Canada to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario and beyond.
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Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource operating the second-and eighth-largest science centres in Canada. Science North’s attractions include a science centre, IMAX® theatre, planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth: Home of the Big Nickel.
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Contacts
Alison Murphy, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations
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