September 16, 2020 - North Bay, ON - Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Innovation and clean tech are key to driving our economy forward as we recover from the impact of COVID-19. Through Regional Development Agencies, such as FedNor, the Government of Canada is investing at the local level to enhance manufacturing, accelerate technology adoption, and support community and business growth while creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians.
Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced Government of Canada investments totalling more than $6.7 million to support jobs, growth and a strong economy in the Nipissing-Timiskaming region.
Provided through FedNor, the funding will support 15 strategic initiatives that will help businesses adopt new technologies, commercialize new products and expand their operations. They will also support advanced manufacturing and boost productivity and growth throughout the area by matching skilled workers to employer needs.
Northern Ontario has been hard hit by COVID-19 and today's announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada's commitment to families, communities and businesses, helping them to not just survive, but also thrive. It will help get Canadians back to work and ensure that the Nipissing-Timiskaming region is well positioned to fully participate in Canada's economic recovery.
Quotes
"Strong local economies rely upon the prosperity and growth of local businesses and entrepreneurs. In these uncertain times, we want Canadian businesses to know that we have their back. We will help our business and community partners adapt to the quickly evolving social and economic realities, and support their efforts to strengthen Northern Ontario's economy and create good jobs for Ontarians."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
"Today's announcement supports priority projects that will help accelerate community economic development, enhance business growth and facilitate innovation throughout the Nipissing-Timiskaming region. This FedNor funding will help create a stronger, more diversified regional economy by helping businesses modernize and expand their operations, improve productivity and create middle-class jobs that support local families."
- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
"Transferring knowledge is at the core of what we do here at Canadore College, and the investments announced today will help us to bring more science, information and technology from the labs to the production lines. By helping to connect our faculty and students to more businesses and organizations, we are strengthening Northern Ontario's innovation ecosystem, and contributing to growing the economy in the process."
- George Burton, President and CEO, Canadore College
"We are thrilled to partner with FedNor and the Government of Canada to develop and bring our diamond core Clean-Tech Modular Drilling System to market. This cutting-edge technology is a game-changer for the industry and will drive future growth for our company while creating 20 high-quality jobs in the region. With over 80 percent of all components manufactured in Northern Ontario, we are proud that our local suppliers will also benefit from increased production as we roll-out the system globally."
- Sylvain Brisson, President, Drillco
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's programs, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
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FedNor is contributing more than $6.7 million to support 15 initiatives led by communities, businesses and organizations that focus on community economic development, investment attraction and job creation in Northern Ontario.
