Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, announced Government of Canada investments totalling $3,229,834 to support four projects that will help strengthen and grow Northeastern Ontario’s economy. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Today’s investment in the Town of Cochrane’s Active Transportation Master Plan will help create a blueprint for a network of trails and pathways that will benefit all residents. Planning for the future now means a safer, cleaner and more connected community going forward.”

-        The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“These targeted investments will create more than 70 good-paying jobs for middle class families in the region. This concrete support will strengthen our economy and communities. Our message today to people in Northern Ontario is clear: our government has your back in these challenging times. Earlier this month, families got their Grocery rebate and Climate action incentive payment and this Thursday, the Canada Child benefit that will be deposited into bank accounts. We are getting the work done to grow an economy that works for everyone in Northern Ontario.”

-        The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“I am pleased that the Government of Canada is investing to build up community infrastructure here in Cochrane and across the region. This support from FedNor and Infrastructure Canada will allow us to develop an active transportation plan and extend municipal infrastructure to the Highway 11 corridor so we can maximize commercial development opportunities. Our region is embarking upon an exciting era of development associated to many factors that will positively influence population migration. With these investments the federal government is demonstrating that they place value in active, modern, socially advanced communities, and the role our region will play in becoming a bigger part of a better Canada”

-        Peter Politis, Mayor, Town of Cochrane

• FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) supports projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that promote sustainable community economic development, diversification, job creation, and self-reliant communities. 

• Since 2015, FedNor has provided more than $299 million in NODP funding to support 858 projects across Northern Ontario. 

• The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a $700-million fund delivered by the regional development agencies (RDAs) to help businesses and the organizations who support them to future-proof, build resiliency and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, foster an inclusive recovery, enhance competitiveness and create jobs. Of this support, $70 million has been dedicated to businesses and organizations created after January 2020. FedNor has delivered more than $15.5 million through the JGF across Northern Ontario to date. 

• The Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.

• Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity, and includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.

• The Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient and more enjoyable, in support of Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy. 

Related products

• Backgrounder: Treasury Board President Mona Fortier announces federal support for industrial, commercial and economic development in Northeastern Ontario.

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• To find out more about the Active Transportation Fund, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/trans/index-eng.html
• To find out more about the National Active Transportation Strategy, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/trans/active-strat-actif-eng.html

Zeus Eden

Press Secretary

Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu

Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

zeus.eden@sac-isc.gc.ca

  

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Media Relations