Government of Canada invests to accelerate growth and maximize tourism opportunities in Northern Ontario

Mattagami First Nation, ON – 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.

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 nearly $120,000 to support Mattagami First Nation’s efforts to enhance its tournament fishing tourism events. Specifically, the FedNor funding will enable the community to install new docks and renovate the tournaments’ weigh-in area; develop event-related software for online registrations, payment processing and tournament information; and purchase equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

This investment is being made through the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), which supports Canadian businesses and organizations seeking to create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences. FedNor is delivering CEF in Northern Ontario.

In 2018 Mattagami First Nation received a $88,200 FedNor investment to complete a waterfront feasibility study and master plan to maximize the tourism and economic potential of your community.

Quotes

“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.

“This strategic investment in Mattagami First Nation tourism events will help attract more anglers to their annual fishing tournaments and draw additional tourists as they discover the variety of outdoor adventures available across beautiful Nickel Belt- Greater Sudbury. Investments in tourism infrastructure across Canada are providing a tremendous boost to our economy, while making life better for all Canadians – including families living and working in Northern Ontario.”
-Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

“We’d like to thank the Government of Canada for investing in Mattagami First Nation fishing events. Our community hosts three annual fishing tournaments that attract sport anglers from across the region and beyond. This funding is not only allowing us to enhance and expand our fishing tournaments and the economic opportunities related to these events, it also enables us to increase tourism by attracting more visitors to our region.”
-Chief Chad Boissoneau, Mattagami First Nation

Quick facts

• 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 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

Media Contact:

Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant
Marc Serré, MP for Nickel Belt
[email protected]
705-897-2222

Carol Deguire
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-626-6119
[email protected]