The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced federal funding of $433,000 to help Manitoba’s new media industry grow and become more globally competitive.
“Our Government’s investment in New Media Manitoba will provide enormous benefits for Manitoba’s vibrant and growing digital economy, the economy of tomorrow,” said Minister Yelich. “This project will help our digital media sector to capitalize on global opportunities, while also meeting the evolving needs of local industries.”
Since 2006, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has invested close to $28 million in new media projects across the west to purchase and upgrade new media technology, improve its access for businesses, universities and Canadians, and to create more jobs for the industry.
New Media Manitoba (NMM) will use the funding from WD to help Manitoba’s digital media sector adapt its products, services and business processes to succeed in global markets, as this vibrant sector hits the world stage.
New Media Manitoba is a not-for-profit, member-based organization with over 900 members including: web and on-line developers; motion graphic developers; game developers; photographers; film/tv/video companies; and creators of mobile applications.
“We are thrilled with this announcement,” said Kevin Hnatiuk, Executive Director of New Media Manitoba. “The planned initiatives will support new media producers looking to grow their business, and create new prospects for graduates from digital media programs at the Universities and Colleges. Manitoba New Media Companies will now have new support and guidance to make a significant economic impact for themselves and their industry partners.”
New Media Manitoba will work with its members to facilitate training opportunities, commercialize their products and services, improve business models and practices, identify new markets and become export-ready. NMM will also help to further the awareness and knowledge of the industry, while developing business relationships to support the growth of Manitoba’s digital media companies.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For broadcast use
The Government of Canada is investing $433,000 in New Media Manitoba, a not-for-profit association supporting the interactive digital media industry in Manitoba. The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced the funding under the Western Diversification Program. The funding will be used to increase the productivity and competitiveness of Manitoba’s digital media industry.
For additional information, contact:
Lloyd Suchet
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Email: Lloyd.Suchet@wd.gc.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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