Support from the Government of Canada will help establish Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

August 18, 2022 – Sturgeon Falls, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor 

The agri-food sector is integral to regional economies like that of Northern Ontario, and its continued growth is an important factor in building strong supply chains that sustain communities across Canada. The Government of Canada recognizes that a healthy agri-food sector requires durable networks, cooperation, and partnerships. Events like the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) help strengthen these bonds between Canadian producers.

Today, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, announced a FedNor investment of $247,321 to establish the Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion at the 100th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair which takes place November 4-13, 2022 at Exhibition Place in Toronto. This investment is in addition to previously announced funds for a total of $671,616 for the 2022 event. Today’s announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

FedNor’s funding is being provided through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, which will allow Economic Partners-Sudbury East/West Nipissing Inc to support Northern Ontario’s presence at the Royal. This year will mark the Fair’s centennial, while also serving as a return to in-person events following two years of virtual events as a result of the pandemic. Up to 55 Northern Ontario agri-food producers and organizations will participate in this year’s fair through the Northern Ontario pavilion.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada recognizes that strong agri-food sectors are important to maintaining healthy regional economies, and our support of $247,321 will help Northern Ontario growers and producers participating in the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair showcase their unique products and expand their markets. We are proud to support Northern Ontario’s involvement in this important agricultural event and to ensure the region is well represented.”

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

“I am happy that FedNor is once again helping the agri-food sector of Northern Ontario participate and join in on the 100^th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. This investment is going to help draw attention to Northern Ontario’s exceptional offerings while supporting our agri-food businesses in their continued growth and success.”

• Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“We are excited to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Fair and are happy for the opportunity to partner with FedNor once again to create the Northern Ontario Pavilion. We look forward to welcoming visitors and participants alike in what has become a must-see feature of the Fair.” 

• Pat Keough, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Economic Partners Sudbury East/West Nipissing Inc.

- 30

Quick Facts

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program (REGI), which supports businesses at all stages of development.
• The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, which began in 1922, has grown to be the largest indoor agricultural and equestrian event in the world.
• Every year, 300,000 people come to The Royal to celebrate the very best food, livestock and horsemanship Canada has to offer. The focus this year will be paying tribute to the RAWF’s heritage and 100-year history.
• FedNor has been participating in the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair since 2000.

Associated Links:

To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca

• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Contacts

Matthew Ierino  

Special Assistant                                              

Marc G. Serré, MP                                                                  

705-507-2416

[email protected]