FedNor invests over $3.1 million in innovation, tourism, and agri-food in the Sault Ste. Marie area
News release
Government of Canada’s support will help support a diverse local economy in the region
January 19, 2023 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
The Government of Canada understands that diverse and innovative economies support strong and self-sustaining regions. FedNor’s investments in a range of sectors including agri-food, education, and innovation help people in Northern Ontario experience the high quality of living for which Canada is recognized globally.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, announced new FedNor investments of $3,172,320 in support of five projects in the Sault Ste. Marie area. The funding will support innovation and technology, education, and the agri-food sector while also creating and maintain jobs, and enabling future growth opportunities.
Of the total FedNor investment, $1,846,662 will enable the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre’s Rural Agri-Innovation Network to continue its Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity program (SNAPP) for another three-year period, $533,208 will go to Sault College to support a new Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics degree program, and $500,000 will assist the City of Sault Ste. Marie construct a connecting section of the waterfront boardwalk, joining the two sections. Destination Northern Ontario will also receive $300,000 to modernize and expand its suite of Tourism Excellence North training solutions, and Executive Aviation Fuels Ltd. will receive a repayable contribution of $92,450 to invest in an electric ground power unit and associated infrastructure upgrades.
For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder.
Quotes
“Northern Ontario is an amazing place to live, visit, and do business, with so many great things happening in Sault Ste. Marie. With more than $3.1 million in new investments announced today, FedNor is helping the region build self-sufficient agri-food programs, invest in innovation for industry, and create welcoming public spaces and inviting communities.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Sault Ste. Marie has a lot to offer, and the Government of Canada is proud to recognize and support our distinct community and economy by investing in a variety of projects. FedNor’s contributions will help ensure Sault Ste. Marie is well prepared to continue adapting to change and driving our economy forward.”
- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
“We are excited that our continued partnership with the Government of Canada and FedNor will help small farming and food processing businesses not only start, but get to the next level. The Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity program works to help food and farm enterprises grow and create new connections, and we are ready to forge new opportunities for communities and the region.”
- David Thompson, Director of the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)
Quick facts
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More than half of the funding announced today is provided through the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), Through NODP, FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
- Since 2015, FedNor has provided more than $291 million in NODP funding to support 842 projects across Northern Ontario
The FedNor funding announced today is also provided through three additional programs, the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation initiative, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, and the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative.
Associated links
Contacts
Andrew MacKendrick
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Andrew.Mackendrick2@sac-isc.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
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