Interactive Ontario, Gov't Partner On Industry Skills Support Programs

Interactive Ontario, which represents the interests of the province's digital media industry, has gained the support of the government in offering three programs for skills training, marketing and investor networking to local companies. The ONtheEdge training curriculum is aimed at offering industry-specific business skills to video game entrepreneurs. A program called GamesID will provide video game companies with market intelligence and marketing support through industry research and information, and will help them seek domestic and international partnerships. The third program, the Ontario Video Game and Digital Media Investor Network, is designed to connect developers of games and digital media with investors both in Canada and abroad. "We are proud to support Interactive Ontario in delivering these important programs," says Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade. "Ontario’s digital media sector is growing quickly, and shows even greater growth potential. As a government, we are committed to working with the industry to generate investment and create high-value jobs for Ontarians." The digital media industry in the province of Ontario generates about $1 billion annually, Interactive Ontario says. Group president and CEO Ian Kelso adds, "With the convergence of highly creative companies, world-class schools, top-tier talent, and the continued support of the Government of Ontario, this province has very quickly become one of the fastest-growing in the games industry."