Connecting communities and businesses with broadband, technology and e-business solutions
News release
FedNor invests to help companies adopt new technologies & innovation to grow their operations & create jobs
September 6, 2019 – North Bay, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Businesses, entrepreneurs, municipalities and Indigenous communities across Northeastern Ontario will benefit from access to new technologies and innovation opportunities thanks to a Government of Canada investment of more than $1.9 million. This FedNor funding will assist Blue Sky Net (BSN) in delivering two projects designed to help businesses innovate and adopt new technologies, making them more productive and competitive in today’s global economy.
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.
First, an investment of $1 million will support the ongoing operations of BSN for a three-year period, enabling the organization to deliver a variety of information and communications technology (ICT) activities throughout the Nipissing–Timiskaming, Sudbury East, Manitoulin and Parry Sound East regions. As part of the initiative, BSN will collaborate with local stakeholders to assess ICT trends and talent gaps, identify and implement solutions to increase skilled talent to support digital industries, coordinate local and regional broadband deployment, and help increase digital technology adoption and awareness.
The remaining $890,000 will enable BSN to administer its Business Technology Improvement Fund in its service area. The Fund provides high-growth-potential small and medium-sized enterprises with up to $25,000 in non-repayable contributions to support the purchase of digital technologies and other hardware and software solutions.
Quotes
“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment in the Blue Sky Net supports our Innovation and Skills Plan by increasing services for innovative businesses, boosting economic growth and creating high-quality jobs across Northeastern Ontario.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Our government recognizes that technology and innovation will shape the economy of the future and we are proud to assist businesses in their efforts to modernize their operations, grow and compete on the world stage. Today’s announcement will help local firms enhance their productivity and efficiency, leading to more good, middle-class jobs that support local families and strengthen our region’s economy.”
- Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming
“The Government of Canada, through FedNor, is a strong supporter of ICT Networks and the work we do to spur innovation, support skills training and help businesses adopt new technologies and processes. These strategic initiatives will help us improve connectivity and access to technology for business and residential consumers by expanding infrastructure, increasing knowledge, developing applications and investing in businesses.”
- Susan Church, Executive Director, Blue Sky Net
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports the growth of Canadian businesses, their expansion into new markets and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
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Since 2016 and through successive budgets, the Government of Canada has earmarked an additional $62 million for FedNor in support of various initiatives to enable the organization to further strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy and create even more middle-class jobs for Canadians.
Associated links
Contacts
Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca