Government of Canada strengthens New Media Industry

Government of Canada strengthens New Media Industry

Today, Western Economic Diversification Canada invested $507,500 in three projects to strengthen the new media industry in British Columbia and position B.C. on the world stage as an international new media hub.

“Emerging sectors such as digital and new media technologies are key to strengthening Canada’s competitiveness in the global marketplace,” said James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “These investments will build British Columbia as a world leader in new media technology.”

New Media B.C. will design and develop a “Digital Coast”, to increase collaboration and research within the industry. The University of British Columbia’s New Media Interdisciplinary Research Centre will develop a two-year pilot program to accelerate technology commercialization. The Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design will establish a new media Industry Liaison Office for research, development and commercialization. Finally, Western Economic Diversification Canada is supporting the 2006 Vancouver International Digital Festival, a global event for new media representatives to meet and develop new strategies to further the industry.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada.