Digital Media Sector Impact at G-8 and G-20 a Critical Factor to Success Says
Industry Canada

Innovative displays, social networking with real-time resources for journalists, and virtually connecting the world put Canada's technology on world stage

TORONTO, June 26 /CNW/ - Industry Canada has high praise for the country's digital media sector as a contributor to the overall impact of the G-8 and G-20 Summits. Industry Minister Tony Clement said the Experience Canada marketing pavilion showcase at the G-8 and G-20 Media Centre in downtown Toronto, enabled by the Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN), provides insight for the global marketplace to Canada's tech leadership and innovation potential for future investment. Specifically recognized was the secure social networking platform brought to the event under a CDMN research project and powered by Open Text for use by journalists and subject matter experts that enables enhanced collaboration.

"Canada takes care of business through investment and support for the high-tech sector and we are showing that to the world at the G20 Summit," said Minister Clement. "We're delighted with the support from the CDMN and all the private and public-sector contributors to this critical event who are giving freely of their time and effort."

Companies and organizations from across Canada have united at the G-20 in the 20,000 square foot Experience Canada venue to show the world what Canadian tech innovation looks like today. Video walls, inventive displays and even virtual games against World Cup soccer teams are impressing delegates from around the world. That content is being shared globally on the Internet, making the G-20 truly a global high-tech event.

"The G-20 features Canadian high-tech companies walking the talk, using our own technology to showcase innovation and share that globally," said Kevin Tuer, managing director of the CDMN. The CDMN is dedicated to commercialization of digital technologies in Canada, and helped attract companies to the Experience Canada pavilion as well as coordinate various associated research projects.

Universities and research institutes from across Canada provided subject matter experts and librarians to field questions from journalists over the Facebook-like social network for real time answers to queries. The full list of participants in the G-20 Experience Canada marketing pavilion will be shared publicly following the event.

"These institutions should be proud to have made a real contribution to the G-8 and G-20 and we appreciate the effort that they invested to make this a success," said Tuer.

Industry Canada supports this type of event to ensure continued visibility for the Canadian tech sector with investors globally. Leaders from the G20 countries meet regularly to discuss key issues in the global economy.

"Canada has the opportunity to be a key player in the digital economy, and the momentum built from innovative research projects, the Canada 3.0 digital media forum in May, and now the G-20, bodes well for strong traction towards that leadership role for this country," said Tuer.

Tuer says with the opportunities that have emerged in 2010 the organization has accelerated its outreach, with widespread support for digital media through the CDMN's national corridor and grassroots support from thousands of individuals.

About The Canadian Digital Media Network:

The Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN) www.cdmn.ca (less than)http://www.cdmn.ca/(greater than) is dedicated to establishing Canada as a world leader in Digital Media by enabling connections and collaboration of people across the country - entrepreneurs, companies, research institutes and government - and bringing more digital solutions to market. The CDMN comprises Canada's largest concentration of business-driven digital media research, technology development, and digital commercialization expertise; it connects digital media expertise and capability from coast-to-coast, creating a digital convergence corridor. Digital Media covers a broad spectrum of technology and services, and includes any information created and shared virtually.

For further information: Shelley Grandy, Sr. PR Advisor, CDMN, 905-866-2656, [email protected]; Media Relations, Industry Canada, 613-943-2502