People, businesses and communities throughout the Manitoulin region will benefit from the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and the creation of more well-paying, middle-class jobs thanks to a strategic investment by the Government of Canada of nearly $5 million.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the unique needs of Northern Ontario and is investing to support initiatives that are helping to fuel the regional economy and create more middle class jobs. The strategic investment announced today will encourage innovation and pave the way for entrepreneurs, businesses, municipalities and Indigenous communities to succeed and prosper.”

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

“I am proud to be part of a government that recognizes the unique needs of Northern Ontario and is investing to strengthen communities and accelerate growth throughout the Manitoulin region. The funding announced today will create jobs, support tourism, infrastructure, business growth and broadband; while fostering innovation and skills training within the region's Indigenous labour force.”

- Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury 

“This investment highlights the important role the Government of Canada plays to advance the social and economic well-being of First Nation communities and municipalities in Manitoulin Island and beyond. By supporting key sectors of our economy such as tourism, manufacturing, innovation and telecommunications, FedNor is helping to ensure people, businesses and communities have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

- Linda Debassige, Chief, M'Chigeeng First Nation

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

• 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: Growing companies; Supporting innovation; 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.

Related products

• Backgrounder: FedNor investment to create jobs, growth and a strong economy for Municipalities and Indigenous Communities throughout the Manitoulin Region
• Prosperity and Growth Strategy

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