Ontario supports Doc North Festival

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

*******************

Ontario has invested $23,439 in the Near North Media Lab, enabling one individual to develop the skills and experience that he or she needs for long-term success.

The Near North Media Lab has hired a festival coordinator for Doc North, the two-day annual documentary film festival in North Bay, which takes place from April 15-16, 2011.

This project is funded through Employment Ontario, the province’s employment and training network. With a budget of more than $1.2 billion, Employment Ontario is ready to assist individuals in getting the training, skills and experience needed to achieve their goals. The program connects people looking for work with employers that are looking for workers.

“By investing in our people and our community, we are building a brighter future for Nipissing,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “Sometimes all a young person needs is an opportunity to gain some real experience and hone their skills. This funding is helping our young people get that experience right here in North Bay.”

“Our Open Ontario plan is helping build the most highly skilled and educated workforce in the world, giving Ontario the competitive edge in securing a strong economy for the future,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

“This funding has allowed the Near North Mobile Media Lab to hire an employee to act as festival coordinator for Doc North.  This employee has been able to devote their time entirely to Doc North, with some assistance from the Near North Mobile Media Lab's communication officer and director. A festival of this size requires full-time staff, without this funding, the Near North Mobile Media Lab wouldn't have had the staff required to organize Doc North,” said Jackie Carter, Doc North Festival Coordinator.

QUICK FACTS
About seven out of every 10 new jobs created in Ontario over the next decade will require postsecondary education or training.

Employment Ontario serves more than 1 million people.

*******************