Tourism is an integral sector in the national economy. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s tourism sector was generating $102 billion in annual economic activity as well 1.8 million jobs, accounting for over two percent of GDP. However, the tourism sector was heavily impacted by the pandemic, particularly in Northern Ontario. That is why the Government of Canada has supported businesses through initiatives like the Tourism Relief Fund, to help the sector to be even better positioned to welcome back guests.

“Northern Ontario provides so many incredible sights and experiences for every season of the year. Today’s investments of over $4.5 million in FedNor funding will help support 27 tourism-related projects across our region, helping to create and maintain over 140 jobs. Supporting tourism means not only helping to show the world all of the wonders in and around our communities, but also sustaining businesses and jobs, and building the diversity of our economy.”

-         The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“As we move past the acute phase of the pandemic, Canada’s tourism sector is showing strong signs of growth. The Government of Canada’s investments in tourism over the last two years focused on the survival of our visitor economy. As we move to revival and the growth of the sector, we continue to provide targeted support to tourism businesses so they can keep delivering unforgettable experiences. A fully recovered and robust tourism sector is key to our government’s ongoing work in building an economy that works for all Canadians.”

-        The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

• The Tourism Relief Fund was created to help organizations and businesses in the tourism sector adapt their operations to meet public health requirements, offer innovative products and services to visitors and prepare to welcome back travellers. Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering $485 million in Tourism Relief Fund support.

  • 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 under-represented groups like women, students, racialized peoples, and Indigenous populations.
  • The intake period for the Tourism Relief Fund in Northern Ontario is now closed.    

  Through the Northern Ontario Development Program, FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario. 

  • Since 2015, FedNor has provided more than $291 million in NODP funding to support 842 projects across Northern Ontario

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• Tourism Relief Fund
• Northern Ontario Development Program
• Economic Development Initiative
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Andrew MacKendrick

Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Andrew.Mackendrick2@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Media Relations