The Government of Canada Announces New Media Research Networks Fund
OTTAWA, August 6, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced the establishment of the New Media Research Networks Fund, the latest addition to the Canadian Culture Online program."This fund is a key element of the Canadian Culture Online strategy," said Minister Copps. "Our goal is to make Canada a world leader in the creation and production of digital cultural content. A critical step in this direction is to develop and sustain a winning environment for new media research. The New Media Research Networks Fund will do just this."
The primary goal of the Fund is to strengthen Canada's research talent in order to build capacity and advance innovation in digital content. A related goal is to develop digital cultural expression in both official languages.
The Fund encourages partnerships between the public and private sectors and provides assistance for research on the convergence of culture and technology. It will facilitate research in many areas, such as advanced interface design, speech interfaces, interactive cinema, techno-linguistic tools, and broadcasting to diverse devices.
"The creation of these research networks pools the strengths and shares the innovations created within our new media sector," added Minister Copps, "This is how we will ensure that our Canadian cultural content keeps pace with the ever-accelerating evolution of the Internet."
For information on Canadian Culture Online, visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca
Information:
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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