$868,095

NEWS RELEASES

FEDNOR

********************* FedNor invests in tourism guide OTTAWA, Ontario, November 2, 2005 — The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of State (FedNor) today announced a FedNor contribution of $125,845 to Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) for its 2006 Ontario Outdoor Adventure Guide, featuring adventures, experiences, events and attractions across Ontario. The project will assist with upgrades to the 2005 compact disc (CD), producing a version that is browser-driven that may be easily updated over the Internet.

The CD will complement a printed guide and website, all supported by an integrated database. "By supporting this venture, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the tourism industry in Northern Ontario," said Minister Mitchell. "We're providing the industry with the tools it needs to effectively compete in today's electronic business world." With the improvements, the CD will be compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux systems and will be accessible to users who do not have Internet access or high-speed capabilities.

A simplified online form will allow businesses listed in the guide to update their own information over the Web.

The use of a hybrid Web-enabled CD will also allow NOTO to track requests for downloads, the number of updates and the amount of traffic on the Web version. "NOTO is actively exploring e-commerce opportunities for the tourism industry and this initiative will help us with the production of a single electronic database, which is an essential component of any e-commerce undertaking," said Al Errington, President of NOTO.

Building on the success of the 2004 and 2005 editions, the 2006 guide will serve as an even more powerful promotional tool for Ontario's outdoor industry, with enhanced emphasis on Northern Ontario outdoor experiences. By supporting Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://fednor.ic.gc.ca

********************* Unique partnership expanded to support tourism development in Northern Ontario

OTTAWA, Ontario, November 2, 2005 – The Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of State (FedNor) today announced FedNor funding of $742,250 towards the extension of the Strategic Tourism Development and Marketing Partnership for Northern Ontario for a second year.

Further, the Partnership will be expanded to include the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

Together, the Partnership will invest $1.9M to support a number of tourism marketing, training and product development projects over the next year.

These contributions will leverage additional support from the private sector. The innovative partnership between FedNor and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC), an agency of the Ministry of Tourism – that now includes NOHFC – was established to provide more strategic and effective support for the development of Northern Ontario's tourism industry. "As the Partnership continues to expand, we will reach new levels of success in our efforts to make Northern Ontario a premier tourism destination," said Minister Mitchell. "By investing in tourism, we're promoting economic growth, supporting small business and fostering opportunities for communities in the North." In its first year, the Partnership supported five significant projects, helping the North's tourism industry compete in the global marketplace.

Projects included the highly successful "Go Fish Ontario” campaign, as well as campaigns promoting "Fly-in Adventures" and Northern Ontario as a world-class paddling destination.

In addition, a series of workshops helped tourism stakeholders make more effective use of Internet marketing to compete globally. The Strategic Tourism Development and Marketing Partnership for Northern Ontario is a key initiative of the FedNor International Business Centre (IBC), which was established to champion tourism and trade initiatives, recognizing the potential of both to enhance economic opportunities in Northern Ontario. The Government of Canada is committed to working together with the Ontario Government to help tourism operators and stakeholders build a strong, vibrant industry that will diversify and strengthen the economy in Northern Ontario. To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://fednor.ic.gc.ca

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