Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan has helped protect millions of jobs, provide emergency support to families, and keep businesses afloat as they deal with the impact of COVID-19. A central part of this is the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), which helps support those who may not be eligible for other programs. Since the Fund was launched in May, over 12,000 businesses have been assisted through the RRRF, helping them keep their employees, cover costs and play a role in our economic recovery. It has been a lifeline for more than 762 businesses and organizations in Northern Ontario that might otherwise not have survived, helping to maintain more than 3,300 jobs in the region.

“Small and medium sized businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, and the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund is here to help them, protecting over 3,300 jobs across Northern Ontario. With the second wave upon us, we’ve heard clearly from businesses and workers that more support is needed. That’s why we’re enhancing and expanding the RRRF to help even more people in Northern Ontario. Our message to them is clear: we’ve been here for you with significant measures, we’re here for you now and we’ll get through this, together. We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help our economy come back strong.”

-      - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

“I am pleased to be part of a government that is there for Northern Ontario communities and businesses during the ongoing pandemic. We have heard first-hand about the challenges many of them are facing. The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund will enable FedNor and its partner Community Futures Development Corporations to continue their good work by investing directly in small and medium-sized businesses that need a hand up to effectively address the challenges posed by COVID-19 and work toward recovery.”
-    Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

• In Northern Ontario, FedNor was originally allocated a total of $49.5 million through RRRF. Today’s announcement brings the total RRRF funding for Northern Ontario businesses and organizations to $71.8 million.

• Continued to be delivered by the six Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), the Fund addresses gaps left by other federal relief measures, and complements those already provided by other levels of government.

• Canada’s RDAs focus on developing and diversifying regional economies to help communities thrive. Already a major presence in communities, they know where additional support is needed most.

• Recognizing the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on tourism in the region, FedNor has invested nearly $13.8 million in RRRF funding to support the recovery and growth of this important industry.

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s programs, 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
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca  

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