Fostering the development of Northern Ontario’s agricultural and agri-food sectors

News Release

Government of Canada invests in clean-tech to support innovation and business growth across Northern Ontario

February 23, 2018 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario

Families, communities and businesses will benefit from a clean growth economy thanks to an investment of $356,455 by the Government of Canada. The FedNor funding will enable the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) to accelerate the growth of the clean economy and help small and medium-sized enterprises to improve their environmental performance, enhance profitability, create jobs and grow their operations.

Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Of the total, $278,000 will enable the SSMIC to expand its highly successful Sustainable Northern Agri-Food Products and Productivity Program (SNAPP) in size and scope to assist an additional 50 businesses utilize clean technology to improve efficiencies, create jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance profitability. Over the next two years, SNAPP will provide eligible applicants with up to $5,000 to purchase equipment or materials to extend their production season, enhance productivity, or create new primary or processed food and fibre products.

The remaining $78,455 will support a regional study of local and wild food market supply and demand with the goal of diversifying traditional industries and increasing access to markets for new value-added products. The research will be undertaken within the Algoma, Manitoulin, Sudbury and Nipissing Districts and will serve to accelerate business expansion and support job creation.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to accelerating clean growth and reducing the impact of climate change through investments in clean technologies and innovation. Initiatives such as the Sustainable Northern Agri-Food Products and Productivity Program help small and medium-sized businesses take concrete steps to reduce their environmental footprint, while growing their operations and creating middle-class jobs."

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

“Our government is taking action in all sectors of the economy by helping businesses make their operations cleaner, more efficient and competitive. I’m proud that this investment will create new opportunities for businesses to capitalize on innovative technology and advancements to grow their operations, while becoming more profitable and environmentally friendly.”

- erry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Government of Canada through FedNor to expand SNAPP and provide support for clean technology projects and undertake the regional study of local and wild foods to help our agri-food businesses grow their markets and create jobs. We are extremely proud of the success and evolution of the SNAPP program and we are excited about the social and economic benefits it will deliver for Northern Ontario.”

- Don MacLennan, Acting Executive Director, Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre

Quick Facts

  • 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.

  • The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre’s mandate is to drive business growth, facilitate research and commercialize innovation in science and technology. Its key business divisions include agriculture, geographic information systems, business support services, youth entrepreneurship, smart energy, and lottery and gaming.

  • Since its inception in 2016, SNAPP has invested $417,000 in support of 82 projects with agri-food businesses and organizations across Northern Ontario. Following the completion of this three-year initiative, SNAPP is expected to help create and maintain more than 170 jobs, while helping participating businesses increase sales by more than $3 million.

Associated Links

Contacts

Paul Denis
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-507-0539
paul.denis@canada.ca

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