Government of Canada invests to help build a competitive tourism environment and boost economic recovery efforts

July 27, 2021 – Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

The tourism sector in Northern Ontario and across the country has been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the significant positive impact this sector has on our nation’s economy, the Government of Canada continues to make strategic investments to ensure that tourism businesses, organizations and communities have the support they need to rebuild the industry as the economy recovers.

Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a FedNor investment of $293,000 for a new tourism product created by Science North, in partnership with Ripley Entertainment Inc. and Guinness World Records. MP Powlowski made the announcement during the launch of the Science of Guinness World Records Northern Tour at the Thunder Bay Museum.

The FedNor funding assisted Science North in developing a customized 100-square-foot version of its main Science of Guinness World Records exhibit located in Sudbury. This traveling exhibit is designed to attract more visitors to local tourism venues, encourage additional tourism spending and help foster economic recovery in smaller centres across Northern Ontario. In addition to Thunder Bay, the Northern tour will include month-long stops in Kenora, Timmins, North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.

Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to help the tourism industry overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19. The national Tourism Relief Fund, announced earlier this month, will provide $500 million over two years to support tourism businesses and organizations so they can adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in recovery efforts for future growth.

Quotes

“Canada has a wealth of extraordinary natural landscapes, delicious food and rich cultural experiences for the world to discover and enjoy. Our government has been there for the tourism sector since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis and projects like this one by Science North provides another tool for communities and businesses to help bring in more visitors, boost tourism revenues and rebuild our economy.”  
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Science North is known and loved across Ontario as a place where families can marvel at and celebrate a sense of discovery. Science has saved countless lives this past year, and our government has always made science as pillar of our approach to helping Canadians. I’m glad that our investment helped make this exhibit possible, and I look forward to visiting as our community reopens.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, and Minister of Health

“Our strategic investment in the Science of Guinness World Records Northern Tour will help kickstart the economic recovery of tourism businesses and organizations in Northern Ontario. This engaging exhibit will help visitors learn about the science behind record-breaking feats while helping grow regional tourism markets.”                                             
– Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

“Our government’s partnership with Science North has long been helping Northern Ontario communities access economic development opportunities while encouraging local science education. I look forward to seeing this traveling exhibit make its way across the region as a professional tourism product as our economy further reopens and recovers from Covid-19.”
– Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“Science North is proud to serve as a science centre for all of Northern Ontario, collaborating with partner attractions to provide access to exciting, new science experiences. The Science of Guinness World Records Northern Ontario Tour will engage visitors in record-breaking themed challenges and exhibits, making it possible for anyone, anywhere to be a record breaker!  
– Guy Labine, Chief Executive Officer, Science North

Quick facts

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, diversification and business growth.
• Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario (1986), a registered charity, and not-for-profit organization. It is located in the City of Sudbury, and has been a centre for science education, entertainment experiences, and a premier tourist attraction in Northern Ontario since 1984.