Building and strengthening the economy of Sault Ste. Marie for long-term success

News release

Government of Canada invests $1.1 million to help the city pursue economic opportunities

July 12, 2018 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor

Local families and businesses will benefit from new economic opportunities thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $1.1 million to help the City of Sault Ste. Marie implement its FutureSSM, a comprehensive, community development approach to strengthening the economy. The three-year project aims to leverage community assets and coordinate multiple community initiatives, as well as help set economic, social, health and community well-being goals to strengthen the labour force and diversify the economy.

The funding was announced today by Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedNor.

FutureSSM will focus on four strategic pillars (economic growth and diversity, social equity, cultural vitality, and environmental sustainability) to support community and economic development. The project, spearheaded by the Community Adjustment Committee, is a result of a 2016 community adjustment exercise that followed the restructuring of three major Sault Ste. Marie employers.

Quotes

"Our government is proud to support communities in their efforts to stimulate economic and business growth, strengthen the labour force and create opportunities for its residents. This investment will enable the City of Sault Ste. Marie to take charge of its economic future by bringing together community and business interests to create a grass-roots vision for long-term economic success."

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

"I’m thrilled that the Government of Canada is helping our community in the face of current economic challenges. Investing in FutureSSM will help us mobilize and leverage community assets, and establish multi-faceted and broadly supported goals to stimulate and grow the economy of Sault Ste. Marie and the region."

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

"The support provided by the Government of Canada and FedNor will help the City move forward with this ambitious project. We are a resilient community with many assets to build on, none more important than our people. Thanks to this investment and through FutureSSM, I am confident we will diversify and strengthen our community as a whole in order to achieve lasting social and economic growth."

- Christian Provenzano, Mayor of the City of Sault Ste. Marie

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 throughout the region.

  • The recently released 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.

Associated links

Contacts

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

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