FedNor investing over $8.2 million in projects led by Indigenous communities and organizations across Northern Ontario
News release
Federal funding will help support business development and community growth across the region
June 19, 2023 – Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced FedNor investments totalling $8,296,369 in support of 18 different initiatives led by Indigenous communities and organizations across Northern Ontario. These projects include infrastructure development and expansion, critical studies and plans, as well as initiatives that will strengthen supply chains and cooperation between Indigenous communities. Additionally, these projects will expand Indigenous community and workforce engagement in natural resource development industries.
In addition to infrastructure improvements and several critical plans and studies, anticipated benefits of these investments include: over 80 long-term jobs created or maintained; over 30 strategic alliances and partnerships created or maintained; and over 75 events held, including education and training sessions and workshops, and community engagement and consultation meetings.
For more detail on the projects being funded, please see the associated backgrounder.
Quotes
“On the journey of reconciliation, economic opportunity for Indigenous peoples must play a key role. The economy of Canada relies on ensuring the talents and entrepreneurial spirit of every person are supported to grow and thrive. This investment of 8.2 million dollars will support Indigenous business leaders, communities and organizations to foster the incredible talent of our communities and create an economy that works for everyone.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“FedNor’s investment in critical aerospace infrastructure in remote First Nation communities is going to help provide new business, training, and employment opportunities. This support for aerospace innovation and development not only provides opportunities to attract new business investments and create jobs, but it will advance community development and safety, and help our member communities continue to build self reliance.”
- Mathew Hoppe, CEO of the Independent First Nations Alliance
“This support from the Government of Canada is going to help our clients, on and off reserve, to capitalize on opportunities in our service area, which includes more than 89 First Nation communities across Northern Ontario. We are proud to partner with FedNor in working to advance the well-being of Indigenous peoples through business and economic development.”
- Brian Davey, CEO of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
Quick facts
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The majority of projects being supported by today’s announcement are funded through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), through which 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 $299 million in NODP funding to support 858 projects across Northern Ontario.
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Additional funding is provided through:
- FedNor’s Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), which helps the Canadian aerospace sector compete on the global stage by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in green operations and adopting environmentally sustainable practices, improving productivity, and strengthening commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.
- And FedNor’s Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO), which enables recipient municipalities and Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) communities to increase the number of community and/or regional economic development initiatives implemented, leading to increased business investment, job creation, and regional collaboration and partnerships among communities.
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Associated links
Contacts
Zeus Eden
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
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