FedNor funds over $1.3 million will enable the Northern Policy Institute to empower communities across the region
February 27, 2026 - Thunder Bay, ON - Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario - FedNor
In a more divided and uncertain world, the Government of Canada is focused on building resilience here at home. We are empowering local communicates, strengthening workforce, and creating the opportunities for long-term sustainable growth.
That is why today the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor,announced$1,304,500 investment to support workforce expansion and population retention efforts across Northern Ontario.
A FedNor investment of $959,500 will enable the Northern Policy Institute (NPI) to help communities attract and retain newcomers by improving access to data, strengthening local immigration initiatives, and promoting regional collaboration. Through this project, NPI will help collect population data and provide analysis to communities and provide advisory services to communities participating in immigration pilot programs such as the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), and Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). NPI will also develop a mobile app to support newcomers integrate into their new communities, and host in-person conferences to share best practices on population attraction and retention across communities. Finally, NPI will maintain population growth portals for the sub-regions of Northern Ontario.
The remaining $345,000 will allow NPI to identify and analyze leading practices in newcomer retention. This process will involve direct interviews and surveying of program participants of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program, employers, service providers, and community members. Comparative analysis of non-RNIP communities and RNIP communities outside Northern Ontario, will further enhance understanding of what drives successful retention.
Together, these projects initiatives will help Northern Ontario communities more accurately measure the impact of population-focused programs, refine their approaches, and strengthen their capacity to attract and retain new talent. By improving access to reliable data and identifying best practices with similar jurisdictions, municipalities across the region will be better equipped to build stronger communities.
