Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly today announced the government’s new approach to cultural policy called Creative Canada, which wants to encourage Canadian content in a digital world.
As part of her speech, Joly said that Facebook, the DMZ, and the Ryerson School of Journalism would partner to launch a digital news incubator. “Participants will receive startup funding and mentorship to accelerate innovative ideas that contribute to the digital development of journalism,” Joly said.
Joly asserted that Facebook’s involvement is part of a government push to get internet companies to be part of its own goals. The DMZ did not provide further comment beyond the Minister’s remarks.
Taking a page from the tech sector, Joly added that the government would be dedicating $300 million to the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to create incubators with equipment, mentors, and training for entrepreneurs in the creative industry. Companies in this industry can now also access the $1.26-billion Strategic Innovation Fund.
Joly also asserted that the government secured a $500 million pledge from Netflix to produce Canadian content and establish a production studio in the country.
Earlier this month, Facebook announced an election integrity initiative in Canada to protect Canada’s next vote from cyber threats.
