Government of Canada Strengthens Western Canada's Media Industry

BANFF, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 7, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, Blake Richards, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment to support the BANFF World Media Festival Foundation (BANFF) in the enhancement of its digital and technological components, in an effort to attract greater international interest in the Western Canadian media industry.

Federal funding of $730,000, through the Western Diversification Program (WDP), will support the creation of a digital venue at BANFF's annual conference, as well as exhibits to promote the event internationally. This investment will enable BANFF to assist western Canadian media companies to innovate and grow in the expanding digital, Internet and video gaming sectors.

BANFF has become one of the leading Canadian marketplaces for film, television, and digital media. By helping BANFF expand its services, we are supporting western Canadian companies' participation in one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the world's economy.

Quick Facts

• For 35 years, BANFF has brought together top leaders in the media landscape to make new contacts, find production partners and develop new opportunities. BANFF attracts over 150 Development Media Executives from around the world to its annual conference.
• It is estimated that by 2015, global spending in the entertainment and media markets will reach $1.9 trillion.
• Canada's digital gaming industry is ranked the third largest in the world, after the U.S. and Japan.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to fostering innovation and new economic opportunities in Western Canada. By supporting the BANFF World Media Festival, we are showcasing to the world internationally recognized events that are made here in western Canada, while helping to create jobs for Canadians."

• Blake Richards, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose

"For over 35 years, BANFF has been extremely proud to be a significant business catalyst, bringing international trade in the media & entertainment industry to Western Canada. As the industry changes and digital technologies influence consumer habits, we are pleased to be working with Western Economic Diversification to keep Canadian companies at the forefront of opportunity in this important and rapidly developing industry."

• Ferne Cohen, Executive Director, BANFF World Media Festival

Additional Links

- BANFF World Media Festival

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