Government of Canada Investment Helps Northwestern Ontario Meet Labour Market Needs

News Release

April 29, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced an investment of $255,000 to help the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association recruit skilled workers, professionals, entrepreneurs and investors to Northwestern Ontario. The FedNor funding will enable the organization and its 32 municipal partners to connect and recruit potential newcomers for a variety of existing and emerging economic opportunities.

Quick facts

  • The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association works on behalf of 32 regional municipalities to coordinate the Northwestern Ontario Immigration Portal. The organization has been highly successful: 95 percent of the newcomers it recruits stay in the region, and 90 percent of them find suitable career opportunities.
  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada recognizes that a qualified workforce is key to growing and diversifying the Canadian economy. Through this initiative, we are helping Northwestern Ontario communities attract the skilled employees they need to support their business and economic development goals."

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

"We are proud to support this initiative that will assist business owners with their succession plans, help companies fill vacant positions and communities match emerging economic opportunities with willing and able entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the Northwestern Ontario Immigration Portal will assist with the retention of businesses, as well as investment attraction, resulting in new ventures."

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

"We are glad to see the Government of Canada investing in tools that support the growth of Northwestern Ontario. While conducting pre-budget consultations in the riding, we heard community stakeholders emphasize the importance of attracting newcomers and entrepreneurs to the area in order to boost our local economy and build sustainable communities. Contributions like these demonstrate the Canadian Government’s commitment to strengthening our communities by building a brighter economic future for Northwestern Ontario."

– Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

"We are excited that FedNor and the Government of Canada are supporting our efforts to stimulate business investment and growth in the region, building upon our successes to date and helping address the needs of our member communities."

– Jim Squier, President of the Board, Thunder Bay Multicultural Association

Associated Links

Contact

Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer - FedNor
705-971-4112
Kim.Fewchuk@canada.ca

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