Government of Canada supports Francophone organizations, entrepreneurs and communities to stimulate economic growth and recovery in Northern Ontario
News release
Federal investments will support up to 52 businesses and create or maintain up to 149 jobs in Francophone communities in the region
August 5, 2021 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Northern Ontario is home to vibrant and thriving communities that contribute significantly to the economic, social and cultural vitality of the region. As the restrictions associated with COVID-19 are gradually lifted across Canada, businesses, communities and organizations are redoubling their efforts to rebuild and grow their economies. Through regional development agencies such as FedNor, the Government of Canada is strengthening its investments in sectors hard hit by the pandemic, focusing on capacity building, new skills and job creation.
Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, and Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, today announced a Government of Canada investment of more than $2.4 million to support four strategic projects to maximize economic opportunities and create jobs in official-language minority communities (OLMCs). This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The investments announced today will support Place des Arts, the Conseil de la Coopération, Voilà Community Help, as well as the Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario. The projects funded are expected to support more than 52 businesses, create or maintain up to 149 jobs, and maximize opportunities for development and growth in Northern Ontario.
The announcement underscores the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to support official language minority communities as they overcome the effects of COVID-19. As we safely re-open the Canadian economy, the federal government will continue to support the efforts of Francophone communities, businesses and organizations to create jobs, ensure growth and maximize the opportunities that linguistic duality offers.
Quotes
“Official language minority communities are an integral part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of our country. In these uncertain times, we want them to know that we are here to help and that we are proud to support organizations and businesses in their efforts to diversify the economy and create jobs in Northern Ontario.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Our Government recognizes that the past year has been a difficult one for Canada's cultural institutions, particularly those in official-language minority communities. We are committed to helping them mitigate the challenges of the pandemic and to ensuring that arts and culture continue to thrive in our communities. This additional investment will allow Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury to reach its full potential and give the Franco-Ontarian community the means to flourish and celebrate its talent.”
- The Honourable Steven Gilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“I am proud of the concrete commitments made by the Government of Canada to support Francophone communities, organizations and businesses. With today's investment, Northern Ontario is well positioned to play an important role in the economic recovery.”
- Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“The Government of Canada is committed to helping our regions build a strong economy and seize business opportunities. Today's announcement demonstrates our commitment to the prosperity of Francophone communities in all corners of Northern Ontario - including right here in the Sudbury and the Nickel Belt regions.”
- Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources
“The City of Greater Sudbury recognizes that Francophone entrepreneurs, organizations and communities are an essential part of the economic diversification of our region. I would like to thank FedNor and the Government of Canada for today's investment in priority projects that will help deliver social and economic benefits in Greater Sudbury and throughout Northern Ontario."
- Brian Bigger, Mayor, City of Greater Sudbury
“On behalf of Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury and our community partners, I would like to thank FedNor and the Government of Canada for recognizing the importance of our initiatives and for investing in protecting and enhancing linguistic duality in the region. The culture and arts sector and Francophone entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario are booming and this targeted investment will position the region for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.”
- Stéphane Gauthier, President, Greater Sudbury Place des Arts
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is part of the Northern Ontario Development Program, FedNor's Economic Development Initiative (EDI), and Canadian Heritage's Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.
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The Action Plan for Official Languages - 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future is the Government of Canada's official languages strategy for the period April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2023. This plan reflects the feedback received from the public during a cross-Canada consultation that took place between June and December 2016. It presents the Government of Canada's vision for supporting the development of official language minority communities and promoting our two official languages.
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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
Carol Deguire
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-626-6119
carol.deguire@ised-isde.gc.ca
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