Government of Canada continues to invest in businesses and communities so they can rebound from the effects of COVID-19

More than $19 million in support to create up to 758  jobs in Northern Ontario

April 29, 2022 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

The Government of Canada continues to do all that it can to provide support to those who need it the most during these challenging times. As one of Canada’s seven regional development agencies, FedNor is playing a vital role  in ensuring that Northern Ontario businesses and communities are equipped to recover from the effects of the pandemic and prepared for the road to recovery and future growth.

FedNor invests more than $19 million in Northern Ontario businesses, organizations and communities

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, highlighted the impact of FedNor investments made during the last quarter that are expected to create up to 758 jobs in Northern Ontario. During the period of January 1 to March 31, 2022, FedNor invested over $19 million in 55 strategic initiatives led by local businesses, organizations and communities across Northern Ontario.

Providing critical support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic

In addition, the Government of Canada provided close to $43 million in relief funding in support of 140 projects in the region. These strategic investments are designed to provide relief to businesses and organizations across all sectors impacted by the pandemic to rebuild a stronger, more inclusive and competitive Northern Ontario. Through economic recovery programs, such as the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, Jobs and Growth Fund, Regional Air Transportation Initiative, Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, Black Entrepreneurship Program, and Tourism Relief Fund, these investments are expected to create up to 1509 jobs across Northern Ontario.   

This relief funding is helping recipients such as the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury. With $1.15 million in funding, it is establishing the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program in communities throughout Northern Ontario to address some of the long-standing challenges that Black-led businesses face in starting and growing their businesses. Meanwhile, Indian Point Camp in the Kenora region is one of many hard-hit tourism businesses that is receiving targeted assistance. A Tourism Relief Fund investment of over $87,000 through FedNor, is enabling it to diversify and expand its operations to increase capacity revenue and maximize the economic potential of its marina and tourism offerings. Similarly communities are upgrading public spaces thanks to the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. One example is Kivi Park in Greater Sudbury, where a FedNor contribution of more than $444,000, is enhancing safety with the installation of solar lighting in its parking lot and along a portion of its multi-use trail. These examples highlight how critical relief funding is helping the region bounce back from the pandemic.

Funding bolsters innovation, creates jobs and grows the economy

Through its core programs and services, FedNor has invested more than $19 million in 55 projects to create an anticipated 758 jobs. Under the flagship Community Futures Program, FedNor supports a network of 24 partner Community Futures Development Corporations located throughout Northern Ontario. NECO Community Futures Development Corporation is one of the community-based, not-for-profit organizations funded by FedNor. An investment of $1.6 million in ongoing operational funding will enable NECO to support community strategic planning initiatives and provide small and medium-sized enterprises with access to capital and business counselling services. Over the project’s five-year lifespan, NECO expects to support up to 79 businesses, while helping to create 150 jobs and maintain 405 more in the region.

Below are a few examples of FedNor’s efforts to directly support businesses and organizations in the region:

Muskoka North Good Food Co-operative Inc.
Thanks to a FedNor contribution of $395,393 in Northern Ontario Development Program funding, this not-for-profit community food co-op in Huntsville will purchase and install a hydroponic agricultural system to grow fresh produce year round. The new equipment will use significantly less land and water than traditional methods, providing the region with a source of fresh, affordable and locally-grown produce. Funding will also assist with the hiring of a project manager to coordinate and implement the new system, provide training and conduct marketing. The co-op is managed by a female board of directors with a workforce comprised mainly of women. The project will address food insecurity in Muskoka and northern parts of the region.

Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord Economic Development Corporation (SLFA-EDC)
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout will receive a contribution of $336,523 in Northern Ontario Development Program funding to establish a for-profit corporation with its four First Nation partners: Cat Lake First Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation and Slate Falls First Nation. The goal of the new corporation will be to generate a variety of sustainable long-term revenue streams and create financial independence for the member communities by developing and participating in economic opportunities across the region.

Blueprints
A FedNor repayable contribution of $166,248, through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation fund, will enable Thunder Bay musician Jean-Paul De Roover to move his performing/recording studio, Blueprints, to a larger commercial space in the community and expand its production capabilities. The new space will allow Blueprints to take on additional production work and contracts in the music, film, and television industries, while still serving its current clientele.

FedNor continues to encourage innovative companies to scale up, remain competitive and create good paying jobs for Canadians living in Northern Ontario. These initiatives will help get Canadians back to work and ensure that Northern Ontario communities are set to fully participate in Canada’s economic recovery. For details on all projects funded by FedNor, please visit the Open Government portal.