Government of Canada invests close to $600,000 to help commercialize new technology and advance AI solutions for Northern Ontario
News release
FedNor funds will help businesses develop new products and assist over 50 First Nations in creating AI frameworks
September 29, 2025 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced that FedNor is investing $595,400 to support three technology and AI driven initiatives. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Funded through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), a repayable investment of $500,000 will support CircuitIQ complete the late-stage development and commercialization of its Live Powerline Mapping Tool (LPMT). This new technology will modernize previous electrical systems in facilities such as hospitals, utility stations, and transportation networks. It creates easy-to-read circuit directories, labels every device, maps where each panel is, and provides a safety report to identify anomalies. The LPMT gives owners, managers, and workers quick, accurate information about complex power systems while eliminating breaker cycling and shutdowns. Technicians can also make and print simple single line diagrams of electrical circuits, making it easier to fix issues, avoid errors, resulting in safer electrical system upgrades.
As part of the announcement, Waive is receiving a repayable contribution of $67,200 to help develop and commercialize an AI-driven automated form-filling tool to improve healthcare productivity. Once complete, the system will help leverage patient history from electronic medical records to autocomplete basic and complex forms such as disability tax forms, WSIB claims, and diagnostic referrals. Funded through the Government of Canada’s Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative for Northern Ontario, this project will help Waive grow its operations, create jobs, and alleviate administrative challenges facing our healthcare system by bringing a new AI-driven technology to market.
The remaining $28,200 will allow the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation to develop and implement an AI strategic plan. Provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), this non-repayable funding will also support AI training and help over 50 First Nation communities adopt AI frameworks to help them enhance operational efficiency and accelerate economic growth.
Quotes
“Northern Ontario grows stronger when we work as one. FedNor’s investments will help our communities and businesses stay ahead in technology and innovation. By succeeding together, we strengthen local economies and prepare the region for tomorrow’s economy..”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor
“Today’s announcement will help Northern Ontario harness the power of technology and innovation to support jobs, growth, and a strong economy. This investment of nearly $600,000 will help protect our critical facilities, create AI-driven solutions to improve healthcare services, and assist over 50 First Nations as they create AI frameworks. Investments like these are how the Government of Canada is future-proofing our economy, leading to enhanced productivity and more good-paying jobs that support local families and improve the lives of Sudburians and all Canadians.”
- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“Thanks to FedNor support we can take CircuitIQ to the next level by commercializing our new Live Powerline Mapping Tool. This cutting-edge technology will allow us to expand into new markets that can now include critical facilities such as hospitals and airports.
- Luke Begley, CEO, Founder, CircuitIQ Inc.
“I am pleased that the Government of Canada recognizes the potential that our AI-driven automated form-filling tool holds in terms of its capacity to improve productivity across our healthcare system. We are grateful that FedNor’s Regional AI Initiative will help us to get this product ready for market.”
- Tabassum Pasha, Chief Operating Officer, Waive
“Artificial Intelligence presents both opportunities and risks. With FedNor’s support, OFNTSC is strengthening its own capacity by developing responsible AI governance within our organization. By doing this important work internally, we will be better equipped to deliver high-quality, secure, and innovative services that ultimately support and benefit the First Nations we serve.”
- Melanie Debassige, Executive Director, Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI) and Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative for Northern Ontario, which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
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These projects inline the Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.
Associated links
Contacts
Aissa Diop
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
aissa.diop@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations