And now they want to encourage the expansion of something that's about as far away from the image of government as you can get - video games.
Last week, Telefilm Canada - the federal agency responsible for the "development and promotion" of the country's audiovisual industry - announced it would be doling out $2 million to help start ups research and create their own video games.
But just like the competitions themselves, you have to win the "Great Canadian Video Game" contest to get to the next level.
Those whose games are judged most likely to succeed will get set seed money from the government to help them develop and finance their concepts.
Telefilm hopes Canada gets a bigger foothold in the industry. And as a sort of real life Pac Man, Revenue Canada hopes to gobble up a part of the profits. A best selling video game can bring in millions if it catches on worldwide.
Producers like Electronic Arts Montreal, Ubisoft and Sherpa Games will be among the experts shepherding newbies who qualify, providing support or mentoring as they try to create the next "Doom".
"Telefilm is convinced that Canada has the talent and potential to be a world leader in the $20-billion video game market," explains consultant and former video game company head honcho Danielle Michael.
So how do you get in on this government gravy train?
It's a four step process.
First, you have to apply online, (to find out how,
click here), outlining everything from who you are to what your potential game is about.
Then in January, ten companies will be chosen by a jury to receive $50,000 in development money to "explore their gaming concepts, develop a visual identity and elaborate a plan to raise initial private-sector investment."
Two months later, four of the chosen ten will be judged by more experts at a San Francisco conference, where they'll get an additional $250,000 to create an actual prototype.
Finally, at next year's digital entertainment gathering known as VidFest in Vancouver, a finalist will be chosen from whoever remains. The prize for finishing first in this financial game: $500,000 to launch their project on the market.
The competition comes at a time when video games are in the news. Sony is launching its updated PlayStation3 console this week, putting itself into direct competition with another challenger, Nintendo's equally hyped Wii system.
Both are expected to be big sellers and both will always need new content to play on them. And that's where the government hopes Canada will one day come out the biggest winner of all.
For more on the competition,
click here.
- An information session on the video game hunt is being held in Toronto Thursday night. It's at the Devil's Martini, 473 Adelaide St. West. It starts at 6pm.