Government of Canada Invests more than $4.8 million in Indigenous Businesses and Communities in Northern Ontario
News release
FedNor funding supports jobs and economic growth opportunities in Indigenous communities across Northern Ontario
June 27, 2022 – Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
As we recognize and celebrate National Indigenous History Month, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced today FedNor investments totalling $4,893,475 in support of 16 initiatives led by Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations in Northern Ontario. Provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, and Jobs and Growth Fund, the strategic initiatives are expected to create and maintain up to 76 local jobs. For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder.
The funding will support key initiatives led by Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations in the region. These include providing more than $3.7 million to Keewaytinook Okimakanak to build new multi-purpose training, art, cultural and entrepreneurial centres for each of its member-First Nation communities, $342,000 to enable Lac Seul First Nation develop its Bioenergy Pilot Project and $100,000 in funding to Tri Town Welding of New Liskeard to scale-up and expand its current facility to increase their manufacturing capacity, grow their client base, sales, and workforce.
The federal government remains strongly committed to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and projects to build a more innovative and sustainable economy. This is especially true in Northern Ontario, where there is a large proportion of Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized businesses.
Quotes
“First Nation businesses and organizations are exceptional drivers of growth, job creation and prosperity. They are critical to the success of the economy in Northern Ontario and the Government of Canada is investing to make sure they have the supports they need to thrive. Today’s announcement from FedNor commits almost $5 million to 16 indigenous-led initiatives in Northern Ontario, and will help deliver local projects, jobs and economic development opportunities to the region.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“The construction of these new multi-purpose community centres in our member-First Nation communities will ensure our citizens have access to a variety of community programs and services that promote well-being, training opportunities and a variety of community celebrations. We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada through FedNor on this important project and look forward to the economic opportunities today’s announcement will bring to our region.”
- Cory J Meekis, Chief Executive Director, Keewaytinook Okimakanak
Quick facts
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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.
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FedNor is contributing $4,893,475 to support 16 Indigenous strategic initiatives focused on business growth, community economic development and job creation in Northern Ontario.
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National Indigenous History Month is observed in June of each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. It is also an opportunity to recognize First Nations, Inuit and Métis people’s history, culture, and contributions to Canada.
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Contacts
Alison Murphy, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations
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