The federal government supports the return of CNE and the Canadian International Air Show
The Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced over $7.2 million in funding to bring back the popular summer event and promote local economic development.
For over 140 years, the Canadian National Exposition (CNE) has been a highlight of Toronto's summer season. As one of the largest exhibition events in North America, CNE welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually. After being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CNE returned today (August 19th) and continued to bring millions of tourists to Toronto until September 5th. The Canadian federal government is committed to revitalizing large-scale events and festivals like CNE, and promoting these events to achieve a stronger future.
On August 19th, commissioned by Her Excellency Helena Jaczek, the Minister in charge of Federal Economic Development Agency (FedDev Ontario) affairs in southern Ontario, Nathaniel Erskine Smith, a Member of Parliament for the Lakefront East York district, announced an investment of over $7.2 million to support the return of two major summer events in Toronto: the Canada National Exhibition (CNE) and the Canadian International Air Show.
Through a non repayable investment of 7 million yuan provided by the Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative (MFESI), CNE will make a comeback with modern on-site services, showcasing new cultural themed programs, new fireworks and drone stages, and adding new facilities to the Children's World Pavilion. This funding also supports the redesign and improvement of the digital display for this event, as well as strengthening security measures to prevent COVID-19.
In addition, the $250000 non repayable investment provided by the Tourism Rescue Fund (TRF) for the Canadian International Air Show will enable the organization to develop new audio and video content, attracting online tourists to Toronto's lakefront for the first time through its online platform and expanding its influence beyond firsthand experiences. Expand the scope of tourists beyond personal experience. Every year, the Air Show attracts nearly one million visitors to the Toronto Lakefront area.
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Her Excellency Helena Jaczek, Minister in charge of FedDev Ontario affairs in southern Ontario:
As the two largest summer events in Toronto, CNE and the Canadian International Air Show are not only key to welcoming millions of visitors to Toronto, but also to creating and maintaining employment opportunities for numerous artists, retailers, and event producers. The Canadian federal government is proud to support the return of CNE and the Canadian International Air Show, as large-scale festivals and events like these play an important role in strengthening Canada's economic recovery.
His Excellency Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Culture of Canada:
Today's investment helps attract tourists back to the two largest and most prominent events in the Greater Toronto Area. These events play a critical role in supporting thousands of local businesses and employment, while also enhancing community revitalization for local residents and the tourism industry. Investments like those made today for CNE and Canadian International Watch will help create a resilient future for our major festivals and events industry
Lakeside East York District Councilor Nathaniel Erskine Smith:
After two years of difficult times with the COVID-19 pandemic, events like CNE and the Canadian International Flight Show are returning to our city with support from the federal government to achieve this goal. It's really great
Darrell Brown, Executive Director of the Canadian National Exhibition Association:
Without the support of the federal government, we cannot return and reopen. CNE is known as Canada's largest expo and is one of the major contributors to Toronto's economy. After two years, Toronto will once again welcome the return of this grand event through the Major Festivals and Event Support Program of the Ontario Southern Federal Economic Development Agency, with more product content presented, making this event even more successful in the future
Lori Duthie, Executive Director of the Canadian International Air Show:
The Canadian International Airshow is very grateful for the support of the Ontario Tourism Relief Fund of the Federal Development Agency. Without this support, we would not have been able to recover from the challenges caused by the pandemic. Flight fans are excited about the full return of the Toronto Airshow this year
Source: Ontario Southern Federal Economic Development Agency