Northern Ontario Is A Priority For Michael Chan

Ontario’s Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister says he takes Northern Ontario very seriously.
Michael Chan says since 2010, they have funded $18-million into a Regional Tourism Organization, which represents all of Northern Ontario.
In addition, the provincial government has committed over $68-million since 2003 to support tourism initiatives in the region.
Chan says that includes about $5-million annually for the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation’s Northern budget.
In response to Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell’s comments that the government doesn’t pay attention to the North, Chan says that it’s actually been a key focus for him.
Chan mentioned that Europeans visit the region to go fishing and hunting, and that the area is also a hot spot for Americans.
While the world continues to change and technology is becoming even more advanced, Chan says local organizations need to use the internet to promote themselves to other parts of the province in order to grab more attention.
Since 2003, Chan says the province has invested in more then 130 festivals in Northern Ontario.