Government of Canada invests $105,000 to create youth employment and accelerate economic growth in North Bay and surrounding areas
News release
FedNor funding will help stem the flow of youth out-migration in Northern Ontario
April 9, 2026 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Today, Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development), and Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, today announced a FedNor investment of $105,000 to help two local organizations create paid youth internships positions so recent graduates can pursue their career paths and gain on-the-job experience in Nipissing-Timiskaming. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Of the total, the North Bay Theatre and Arts Community Centre (Capitol Centre) will receive a non-repayable FedNor investment of $52,500 to hire a youth intern as a Data Collection and Archival Specialist. While on the job, the intern will create a digital catalogue of historical records and artwork so they can be archived and used to establish an online gallery to showcase the organization’s permanent collection. This new digital content will also be used for future projects and marketing efforts, while paving the way for an Artwork Loaning Program so collection pieces can be shared with partner organizations and enjoyed by different audiences for longer periods of time. This 18-month internship will contribute to the economic diversity, viability, and sustainability of the region by preserving cultural heritage and associated assets, promoting tourism throughout the area.
To improve business and economic conditions in the City of North Bay, the Municipality is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $52,500 to hire a youth intern for an 18-month period. Working for the Planning Department, the qualified candidate will help advance local priorities such as urban planning, policy implementation, and community development initiatives. While on the job, the Intern will also support a series of special projects including the Housing Accelerator Fund, updates to the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan, preserving and promoting historical assets and implementing the Trout Lake Policy to enhance community awareness and engagement.
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, kick-start their careers, and build a future in Northern Ontario. 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
“Creating jobs for young Canadians supports our governments strategy to build a workforce for the future that includes every generation. These internships will provide a fair chance for young people in North Bay to develop their skills and fully participate as active members of the local economy. This FedNor funding is not only a smart investment, it’s the right thing to do so youth can grow up in Northern Ontario knowing they have equitable opportunities to pursue their career ambitions.”
- Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development), and Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming
“We are working hard to improve business and economic conditions in North Bay and hiring a talented young graduate will help make that happen. This new internship position means we can advance a number of strategic priorities that will accelerate business development and growth, support housing and urban planning, preserve and promote local assets and much more.”
- Mayor Peter Chirico, City of North Bay
“North Bay is home to a growing creative economy and welcoming a skilled youth intern to our team will help us capitalize on economic and growth opportunities. This priority position means we can digitize our historical records and art collection, expand our reach within the community and connect with art enthusiasts around the world, including online audiences. The North Bay Theatre and Arts Community Centre, commonly known as the Capitol Centre, is thriving and this FedNor funding is helping to fuel our expansion.”
- Katina Connolly, Executive Director, Capitol Centre
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is in part provided through FedNor’s 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