Wahgoshig First Nation, ON
Strong municipalities and First Nation communities are key to a thriving regional economy. That is why we are working to help them develop and diversify their local economies. Through its Regional Development Agencies, such as FedNor, the federal government is investing to strengthen rural communities and enable small and medium-sized businesses to grow and create meaningful jobs for Canadians.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $256,925 to help increase capacity and take advantage of economic development opportunities in Wahgoshig First Nation.
Provided through FedNor's Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario (CIINO), the funding will enable Wahgoshig First Nation to retain an Economic Development Officer (EDO) on staff for an additional three-year period. Building on the success the position has achieved to date, the EDO will undertake a variety of priority projects that will help create jobs, support recovery efforts, strengthen the economy, and position the community for sustainable growth and prosperity. This includes pursuing renewable energy opportunities, maintaining and modernizing local businesses, and helping entrepreneurs start up tourism-related businesses.
Northern Ontario has been hard hit by COVID-19 and today's announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada's commitment to small businesses, municipalities and Indigenous communities, helping them to not just survive, but thrive. Initiatives like this will help get Canadians back to work and ensure that northern and First Nation communities are set to fully participate in Canada's economic recovery.
