Government of Canada invests to boost community and business growth opportunities throughout Timiskaming district

News release

FedNor funding helps create up to 19 jobs through business expansion, community growth and economic recovery efforts across the region

February 11, 2021 – Temiskaming Shores, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy, employing more than 68 percent of the labour force and contributing more than 41 percent to our country’s gross domestic product. Small businesses are also key to driving our economy forward as we recover from the impact of COVID-19. Through Regional Development Agencies, such as FedNor, the Government of Canada is investing at the local level to enhance small business growth and support community economic development while creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians.

Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced Government of Canada investments totalling more than $616,000 to support jobs, growth and a strong economy in the Timiskaming district.

Provided through FedNor, the funding will support five strategic initiatives that will help businesses adopt new technologies, commercialize new products and expand their operations. It will also help local businesses and organizations deal with the impacts of COVID-19 and assist them in preparing for the realities of a post-pandemic economy. Daki Menan Lands and Resources Corporation, an Indigenous-owned-and-operated social enterprise, is one of the businesses benefiting from today’s announcement. The company will use the FedNor funding to purchase new equipment, grow its product line and create quality jobs in the community.

Northern Ontario has been hard hit by COVID-19 and today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to families, communities and businesses, helping them to not just survive, but also thrive. It will help get Canadians back to work and ensure that the Timiskaming region is well positioned to fully participate in Canada’s economic recovery.

Quotes

“Canada’s economic recovery depends on the health of small and medium-sized businesses in Northern Ontario and across the country. In these uncertain times, we want Canadian businesses to know that we have their back. We will help our business and community partners adapt to the quickly evolving social and economic realities, and support their efforts to strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy and create quality jobs.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Today’s announcement will help spur economic diversification, increase business growth and attract investment here in the Timiskaming district and across Northern Ontario. By helping businesses and communities to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic, our government is setting the stage for a strong and effective economic 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

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the engine that powers our economy, a fact that holds great significance here in Nipissing-Timiskaming where entrepreneurship is a way of life for so many families. The investments announced today are laying the foundation for local businesses to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy, and create well-paying jobs for residents throughout the region.”
- The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament, Nipissing-Timiskaming

“At Daki Menan Lands and Resources Corporation we are working hard to implement our forestry strategy and create opportunities for youth through initiatives such as First Nation Jr. Ranger program. This investment will help us capitalize on business growth opportunities, expand our product line, reach new markets, and create quality jobs for our First Nation’s members. I’m confident that by working together, our communities and businesses will create long lasting jobs and opportunities for our young people to live, work, and stay in the North.”
- Robin Koistinen, President, Daki Menan Lands and Resources Corporation

Quick facts

  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s programs, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

  • FedNor is contributing more than $616,000 to support five initiatives led by communities, businesses and organizations that focus on community economic development, investment attraction and job creation in Northern Ontario.

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Contacts

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

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