Government of Canada investing $164,100 to support youth employment in Northern Ontario

News release

FedNor funds will help develop and expand young talent while also supporting young entrepreneurs across the region

May 9, 2024 – North Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, today announced Government of Canada investments totaling $164,100 to support youth employment and entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Of the funding, a total of $129,100 will go to the North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) to support the transformation of its youth entrepreneurship training program, branded as Head Start in Business, to a virtual format in order to increase the program’s reach across Northern Ontario. In the current version of the program, North Claybelt has delivered 780 workshops to over 14,000 youth while maintaining and creating 175 partnerships throughout the North. It has also assisted 190 youth to open micro-businesses. North Claybelt will continue to partner with the 23 other CFDCs across Northern Ontario to promote the new program format.

The remaining $35,000 will help Near North Mobile Media Lab hire a youth intern to coordinate the biennial Ice Follies Festival on Lake Nipissing. This two week event will promote local Indigenous culture and takes place between February 7-21, 2025. This new internship position will provide the individual with exposure to key duties, including logistical planning, community engagement, and artistic curation.

Quotes

“Today’s funding gives the talented youth of Northern Ontario a fair chance at success, one to help develop their on-the-job skills and give them equitable opportunities in today’s workforce. This investment will help support our business and grow an economy in Northern Ontario that is fair for all generations.”

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

“This $164,100 investment will provide important on-the-job training for young Canadians and foster the spirit of entrepreneurship that is vital to the future prosperity of our region. Today’s announcement shows that the Government of Canada understands the importance of our youth for our collective future, and we will continue to be there to support future opportunities right here in Northern Ontario.”

-       Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming

“We are proud that North Claybelt CFDC will continue to lead this pan-Northern initiative in a new, digital format, and are excited about the prospect of wider adoption across the North. Thanks to FedNor’s support, we will be able reach new audiences and foster a more educated and entrepreneurial-focused youth.”

-       Linda Semczyszyn, Executive Director, North Claybelt CFDC

“The Near North Mobile Media Lab prides itself on being a champion for the Northern Ontario contemporary arts community, and we’re excited that this funding will help us provide an opportunity to a young person in our region to help promote it! Thanks to FedNor’s support, this position will see the intern gain valuable experience in marketing, budgeting, and logistics and operations management – all important skills for someone looking to begin their career in this field.”

-       Sharon Switzer, Executive Director, Near North Mobile Media Lab

Quick facts

  • 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.

  • For more than 30 years, the North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) has been helping local entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses, and communities strengthen their economy. The community-based, not-for-profit organization provides a full range of business development services, including access to capital, mentoring, information and referrals, as well as support for community economic development and special projects.

  • Near North Mobile Media Lab (N2M2L) is a registered non-profit that provides the tools media artists, students, filmmakers and audiences in Northern Ontario need to produce, present and enjoy contemporary media arts in all its forms. N2M2L envisions a thriving and sustainable arts community in Northern Ontario that supports innovative digital media artists, creates access to contemporary presentations, and is a valued participant in broader artistic discourse.

Associated links

Contacts

Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations

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