Government of Canada Invests $223,000 to Support Jobs and Skills Training for Young Canadians and Help Northern Ontario Businesses to Innovate and Grow
News Release
April 28, 2017 – North Bay, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
The Government of Canada is investing $223,000 to enable Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION) to implement phase two of its Youth Entrepreneurship Placement Program (YEPP), which provides qualified youth ages 18 to 29 with up to 16 weeks of meaningful on-the-job entrepreneurship and skills training. This strategic initiative also benefits the small business sector by providing employers with access to an energetic and knowledgeable workforce, helping them to innovate, grow and take their businesses to the next level.
Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor. Since its inception in 2015, YEPP has provided direct support to 21 businesses in Northern Ontario, which helped create 27 jobs and four new business start-ups in the region
Quotes
"Today’s announcement supports the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan by providing new opportunities for businesses to innovate and grow, while creating youth employment in the region. This investment will also help inspire the next generation of Northern Ontario entrepreneurs and better prepare our future business leaders to compete in the modern economy."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
"Northern Ontario has a wealth of talented and energetic youth who can help the region transition to an innovation-based economy. Our government is proud to partner with organizations, such as IION, to encourage young Canadians to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable career path and help them pursue opportunities in high-growth areas such as clean-tech."
Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming
"IION is pleased that its collaboration with FedNor and the Ontario Trillium Foundation has spurred the expansion of the Youth Entrepreneurship Placement Program (YEPP). Skilled youth are jumping at the chance to return home to Northern Ontario and YEPP is providing them with that opportunity, while helping businesses innovate and expand. Our combined efforts have had a significant impact on youth retention as well as business innovation and growth."
Rob Deline, Executive Director, Innovation Initiatives Ontario North
Quick Facts
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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.
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Innovation Initiatives Ontario North is a not-for-profit organization that provides business advisory services, strategic planning advice, and helps businesses and communities to secure the resources required to foster growth and economic development in the districts of Timiskaming, Parry Sound, Nipissing and Muskoka.
Associated Links
Contacts
Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca