Federal funding will support jobs, skills training and attract investment in Northern Ontario productions
September 25, 2026 - Sudbury, ON - Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Across the country, arts and cultural organizations strengthen communities and create opportunities for Canadians to connect through shared stories and experiences. As the world changes rapidly, the Government of Canada is focused on what it can control: investing in the people and organizations that foster connection, celebrate our diversity and bring Canadians together.
Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced a FedNor investment of $850,145 for Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION) to help grow Northern Ontario's music, film and television industries. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, and is expected to create and maintain close to 45 full-time jobs.
Provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), this funding will help attract new music, film and television projects to Northern Ontario while encouraging additional private-sector investment in the industry. These investments will create new opportunities for artists, production professionals and communities across the region.
Through this project, CION will support skills training for artists, crew and emerging talent through initiatives such as its Media Arts Production: Practiced, Employed, Developed program. Through the program, film and television production can access up to $10,000 in non-repayable funding to train crew members for skilled positions.
In addition, this non-repayable funding will pave the way for CION to promote the region by hosting the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards and Conference, as well as a series of showcase events featuring local artists and emerging talent. As part of the project, CION will also work directly with post-secondary institutions across the region to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and career training as part of regional film and television projects.
