Government of Canada investing over $400,000 in Algoma-area Indigenous-owned business

News release

FedNor support will enable business growth and expanded operations

December 18, 2023 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors, today announced $442,000 in FedNor funding for the Trucor Steel Structures Inc., an Indigenous-owned and led business. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

FedNor’s support will enable Trucor Steel Structures Inc. to purchase heavy equipment necessary to provide additional services central to construction processes, which will enable the business to take advantage of growth opportunities. Specifically, the funds will support the acquisition of an excavator, front end loader, skid steer, and a mini excavator, which will enable Trucor Steel to dig foundations for building projects and to participate in other construction opportunities.

In addition to supporting the growth of an Indigenous-owned and led business in the region, this project is expected to create ten full-time jobs while diversifying local industry.

Quotes

“Every investment in Algoma region represents another building block that makes our communities stronger. These FedNor funds are going to help create jobs while expanding a local business, but they’re also going to help meet the infrastructure needs in Indigenous communities and more rural areas. These kinds of projects, that enable new economic opportunities in places without access to those possibilities, can be transformative; investing in our region now means creating opportunities for generations to come.”

-       Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors

“Projects like this are especially impactful because not only do they create good-paying jobs, they support the leadership of Indigenous communities in making the important economic decisions. Economic reconciliation means that Indigenous Peoples are deciding which projects should prioritized. Our job at the federal government is to follow their lead and that’s exactly what we’re doing here.” 

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

“This support from FedNor is going to help us expand our services, which will help Trucor Steel grow, but it is also going to help us meet the needs of Indigenous communities and Northern Ontario. We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada in creating opportunities in the region, and we will keep working at building up our communities.”

-       Kenneth Daigle, President & CEO of Trucor Steel Structures Inc.

Quick facts

  • Trucor Steel Structures Inc. is an Indigenous-owned and led business that specializes in manufacturing housing and commercial and industrial building solutions for First Nations communities.

    • They provide permanent structures as well as temporary and/or emergency structures that can be customized for specific locations and needs.
    • Trucor Steel is based in Batchewana First Nation, Rankin Reserve, with a satellite facility in Elliot Lake.
  • The funds announced today are provided 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.

Associated links

Contacts

Simon Ross
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
simon.ross@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations

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