Government of Canada : FedNor and NOHFC Invest $875,000 to Strengthen and Grow Northern Ontario's Creative Economy

January 20, 2017 - North Bay, ON - Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor

The Government of Canada and Province of Ontario are investing $875,000 to enable Canadore College to establish a Post Production Centre at its main campus in North Bay. The facility will help address the immediate and growing needs of the Northern Ontario film industry and accommodate a new post production program at the college.

The funding will be used to purchase and install the technology and equipment needed to ensure Canadore's Post Production Centre is state-of-the-art and fully equipped to be a start-to-finish service location for the film and television industry. This targeted investment will make the Centre the only facility of its kind in Northern Ontario and will result in the college being the first educational institution to receive the Dolby Premier Studio certification in Canada. Once complete, the 5,588-square-foot facility will feature a post-production theatre and studios for colour correction, recording, dialogue replacement, and sound mixing, as well as office space and a 24-seat computer lab.

Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, and the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario's Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). Of the total, FedNor is investing $500,000, while NOHFC is providing an additional $375,000. Over the next 3 years, this initiative is expected to generate 26 jobs, while supporting 25 post-production projects and enhancing skills training in the region.

Quick facts

• The federal funding announced today is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
• The provincial funding is provided through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, which works to build strong, prosperous communities across Northern Ontario and supports the province's top priority to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives.
• Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology has approximately 3,500 full-time students with an additional 4,500 students engaged in part-time programming. Canadore features 80 full-time programs, employs more than 350 individuals, and is a member of the Colleges of Ontario Network for Industry Innovation.

Quotes

'The Government of Canada is proud to invest in Canadore College to support the evolution of Northern Ontario's creative economy. Film production is one of the fastest growing industries in the region and this strategic initiative will support the continued growth of the sector, while providing students with the skills needed to pursue employment in this specialized field.'

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

'Canadore College is a leader in technology and innovation and today's announcement ensures the college is well positioned to meet the immediate and long-term needs of its students and industry partners. Establishing a Post Production Centre here in North Bay will create local jobs, support a strong middle-class and help us capitalize on emerging opportunities in the motion picture industry.'

- Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming

'By investing in Canadore College's Post Production Centre, our government is bolstering Northern Ontario's thriving film and television production industry and providing new economic and job training opportunities for people right here in the North. Today's announcement delivers on our commitment to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives.'

- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

'We are extremely grateful to the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario for their confidence in Canadore College and for the investment they are making to grow Northern Ontario's economy. Our Post Production Centre will provide access to unparalleled education to train film professionals, attract more industry to our region, and provide an opportunity for our youth to stay and be employed in the north.'

- George Burton, President and CEO, Canadore College

Associated Links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor.
• To find out more about the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, please visit: http://www.nohfc.ca and follow them on Twitter @NOHFC.
• Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinisterISED

Contact

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer - FedNor
705-690-0957
[e-mail]

James Carleton
MNDM - Minister's Office
416-327-1208

Julia Bennett
MNDM - Communications Branch
416-314-6275
[e-mail]