January 27, 2023 – Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
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.” stated Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor at the announcement.
To assist the tourism sector, today Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced new FedNor investments totalling $4,571,644 for 27 tourism projects across Northern Ontario. These investments will support the creation and maintenance of over 140 jobs and help the regional tourism sector recover and grow even stronger.
“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.” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance.
The investments announced today were provided through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), with additional support being provided through the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) and the Economic Development Initiative (EDI). For the full list and more detail on the 27 projects receiving funding, please see the FedNor backgrounder.
