From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

NationTalk: By investing in opportunities for Indigenous communities, the Canadian government contributes to the development of inclusive and diversified regional economies that benefit all Canadians now and in the future. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced an investment of $6,899,535 in 18 Indigenous-led projects across Northern Ontario. The projects reflect economic reconciliation in action, and will support Indigenous communities across the region in self-determined economic development through locally-driven initiatives.

These projects include the expansion and development of locally-led community and business support services and the creation of locally-driven economic development corporations. They will also see new construction and renovation initiatives involving community infrastructure and land development and the completion of several critical studies and strategic plans. As well as infrastructure development and training to support resource extraction including purchasing specialized mining equipment.

These projects are anticipated to create a wide range of economic and community benefits, including the creation of new jobs, the maintenance and development of strategic alliances across sectors, and new and upgraded community and business assets. These investments will also help with training and provide other supports for new and existing local businesses, resulting in increased efficiency and production for local businesses.

Support from the Government of Canada through FedNor helps foster continued economic growth in Indigenous communities throughout Northern Ontario. True partnership at work, these initiatives encourage continued collaboration between First Nations organizations, communities and industrial corporations. This collaboration will create opportunities for First Nations communities to benefit from business development within their traditional territories.

For more detail on the projects being funded, please see the associated backgrounder.

Quotes

“Today’s investment of nearly $7 million into Indigenous-led business across Northern Ontario will support development in remote and rural Indigenous communities, creating good stable jobs, and helping to grow an economy that works for everyone.”

–       The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor

Quick facts

• The funds announced today are provided through FedNor’s programs and initiatives, including:
  • The Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), through which FedNor supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes;
  • the Community Futures Program (CFP), through which FedNor supports 24 Community Futures Development Corporations located throughout Northern Ontario;
    • These community-based, not-for-profit organizations are staffed by professionals and are each governed by local volunteer board of directors familiar with their communities’ needs, concerns, and future development priorities.
  • the Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO), though which FedNor provides funding for small communities or First Nations to hire a qualified individual to help develop the local economy;
  • and the 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.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests close to $7 million ($6,899,535) to support 18 Indigenous-led initiatives that support jobs, growth and a strong economy in Northern Ontario

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.canada.ca 
• Follow us on X (Twitter): @FedNor
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/fednor

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