Northern Ontario companies will get support to research and develop innovative products and processes thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $228,500. The FedNor investment will enable Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION), in partnership with Canadore College, to deliver the IION-Canadore Skills Training in Advanced Manufacturing & Production (icSTAMP) initiative, a two-year pilot project aimed at supporting skills training in advanced manufacturing and increasing technology adoption within industry.

"Today’s announcement is about helping to build a diverse, skilled and educated workforce, while promoting the adoption of advanced technologies in the region, two key priorities of our government’s Innovation and Skills plan as outlined in our recently announced Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario.”

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

“The Government of Canada is proud to partner with IION and Canadore College to support local companies, accelerate innovation adoption and create a highly skilled workforce and a strong economy for Nipissing–Timiskaming and all of Northern Ontario. The funding announced today will help create high-quality middle-class jobs, while positioning businesses in the region for sustainable growth and long-term success.

- Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming

“IION is pleased that its collaboration with Canadore College and FedNor has led to the launch of the highly anticipated icSTAMP initiative. Innovation and a highly skilled workforce is the key to the economy of the future and this pilot project will help us achieve immediate and long-term success as we work to create jobs and modernize our region’s advanced manufacturing sector.”

- Rob Deline, Executive Director, Innovation Initiatives Ontario North

“We can’t foster innovation in a vacuum, we need to seek out collaborations that create and sustain positive influence and momentum. The icSTAMP initiative will combine practical education and experiential learning, applied research and soft skills training for participants, all of which will enhance our current workforce to be more productive and efficient. We thank FedNor for believing in the project for which we are proud to partner with IION to deliver.”

- George Burton, president and CEO of Canadore College

• The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario outlines the Government of Canada’s approach to ensure the region can fully benefit from the national Innovation and Skills Plan. It is focused on three key economic development areas: supporting innovation; growing companies; and building stronger communities.

• Budget 2018 provided an additional $511 million over five years to the regional development agencies to support the national Innovation and Skills Plan. As part of this total, FedNor is being allocated $28 million over five years. This is in addition to the $25 million over five years it received in Budget 2017.

• 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.

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca.
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA.

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca