Government of Canada invests close to $150,000 to create youth employment and accelerate economic development in Greater Sudbury
News release
FedNor funding will help stem the flow of youth out-migration in Northern Ontario
January 6, 2026 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced a FedNor investment of $149,364 to help three local organizations create paid youth internships positions so recent graduates can pursue their career paths and gain on-the-job experience in Greater Sudbury. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
To further position Downtown Sudbury as the premier event and tourism destination, the Metro Centre Management Board Downtown Sudbury is receiving $57,500 to hire a youth intern for an 18-month period. While on the job, the intern will develop and coordinate a series of events, conduct research and support marketing, communication, and project management activities. These efforts will help attract new investment to the area, boost foot traffic for downtown businesses, increase attendance at local events and encourage visitors to extend their stays and return more often.
As part of the announcement, the Afro Women and Youth Foundation is receiving FedNor funding of $50,112 so they can hire a Bilingual Program Support Intern for 18 months. The successful candidate will be responsible for a variety of activities such as bilingual community outreach and content creation, managing social media platforms and volunteer recruitment. To promote inclusion and increase participation from the Francophone community, the intern will also provide French language services for year-round programs and workshops.
The remaining $41,752 will help the Contact interculturel francophone de Sudbury hire a youth intern for an 18-month period. Identified as a priority position, the intern will promote inclusion and diversity within organization, develop and enhance technological and digital capacity, review existing programs and services, and propose and advance new initiatives designed to better serve the Francophone Racial and Ethnocultural Minority community of Greater Sudbury.
With proven results – 63% of interns staying with their host employer, 83% moving into jobs related to their internship, and 91% planning to keep working in Northern Ontario – this investment will help ensure that young people not only find opportunities here, but choose to build their futures in the North. The funding announced today supports the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which is designed to help young Canadians become job-ready through work experience, training and skills development. Through its wide range of programs, the Strategy invests in young people to build a strong Canadian economy that includes everyone.
Quotes
“Young people are the future of Northern Ontario, and when we invest in their skills, we’re investing in the long-term strength of our communities. These internships will give youth the chance to gain valuable work experience, build their careers, and stay right here in the North. By connecting talented young people with local employers, we’re not only creating jobs today, but also ensuring that the next generation is ready to lead and grow our economy for years to come.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor
“These internships will provide a fair chance for young people in Greater Sudbury to develop their skills and fully participate as active members of the local economy. Investing in young Canadians is part of our plan to grow an economy that works for every generation, so that young people grow up in Northern Ontario with equitable opportunities to pursue their career ambitions.”
- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“Downtown Sudbury is a hub for small businesses, culinary delights, and an array of amazing events and cultural activities. Adding a youth intern to our team of economic professional will allow us to further build up the downtown and amplify our successes so we can further position the heart of our community as a premier event and entertainment district.”
- Jeff MacIntyre, Executive Director, Downtown Sudbury
“We are excited to hire a Bilingual Program Support Intern to help us conduct outreach, foster new partnerships and ensure newcomers and existing clients have access to improved services in both official languages. Our goal is to empower Black immigrant women and youth so they can integrate successfully and contribute to Canada’s economic advancement. The support we receive from FedNor is helping to make that happen.”
- Adebola Adefioye, Executive Director, Afro Women and Youth Foundation
“Welcoming a youth intern to our team is a game-changer for Contact interculturel francophone de Sudbury. Bringing a talented young graduate on-board means we can advance key priorities, promote inclusion and diversity, and better serve the Francophone Racial and Ethnocultural Minority community of Greater Sudbury.”
- Gouled Hassan, President, Contact interculturel francophone de Sudbury
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is in part provided through FedNor’s Economic Development Initiative and Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP).
- Through the Economic Development Initiative, FedNor is investing to help strengthen the cultural sector in Northern Ontario, and support the vitality of official language minority communities.
- Through the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), 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.
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Since 2009, FedNor’s Youth Internship Initiative has created an estimated 764 internships – helping young people launch careers right here in Northern Ontario. Since that time, 63% stay with their host employer, 83% move into jobs related to their internship work, and 91% say they plan to keep working in Northern Ontario.
Associated links
Contacts
Jennifer Kozelj
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@labour-travail.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations