October 19, 2020 - Huntsville, ON - Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Across the country, Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC) are helping entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses, and investing in communities to strengthen the economy. In Northern Ontario, these community-based, not-for-profit organizations are working hard to create jobs and provide a full range of business development services, including access to capital, mentoring, information and referrals, as well as support for community economic development, recovery efforts and special projects.
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 of more than $3.4 million to help communities and businesses expand, prosper and create or maintain jobs across the Parry Sound-Muskoka region.
Provided through FedNor's Community Futures Program, this funding will support four strategic initiatives led by Muskoka Futures and the Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre. These projects will help attract high-growth businesses to the region, create local jobs and support business development, growth and regional recovery efforts throughout the area.
Today's announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada's commitment to Canadian businesses - helping them to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19. Initiatives like these will help get Canadians back to work and ensure that small businesses, which are the backbone of the Canadian economy, can play a major role 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
"Community Futures organizations across Northern Ontario are helping small and rural communities diversify and grow their economies. Recognizing that one size does not fit all, these community-based organizations are responding to local needs and development priorities thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Today's announcement will help them advance a variety of priority projects that will generate business opportunities, private-sector investments and good-paying jobs to support families living and working in the Parry Sound-Muskoka region."
- 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
"We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada through FedNor to help maximize the economic potential of the Parry Sound region. Today's announcement will allow us to hire an Economic Development Officer, support regional recovery efforts and advance a number of priority projects that will help diversify the economy, stimulate growth and attract new private sector investment to the area."
- Bob Griffiths, Chair, Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre
"Today's investment demonstrates the confidence the Government of Canada has in our organization and the work we do to fuel the regional economy. I am thrilled that FedNor recognizes Muskoka Future's continued record of success in fostering community, business and economic growth, while helping businesses start up and scale up in the Muskoka region."
- Jeff Loney, Chair, Muskoka Futures
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 $3.4 million ($3,450,970) to support four (4) strategic initiatives focused on community economic development, business growth, investment attraction and job creation throughout Parry Sound-Muskoka.
