Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced Government of Canada investments totalling $835,777 in support of youth employment opportunities with not-for-profit and small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ontario. The funding for these projects is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP).
Northern Nishnawbe Education Council
$100,000
FedNor is providing a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 to help the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council purchase of professional-grade production equipment to support the continued growth and sustainability of the Wake the Giant (WTG) Festival in Thunder Bay. Identified as a regional priority, this project will support tourism development, business growth, and create youth career opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.
Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation
$57,500
FedNor funding of $57,500 will allow the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation to hire a Community Development and Business Services intern for an 18-month period. While on the job, the intern will support a variety of community economic development initiatives designed to enhance the economic diversity, viability, and sustainability of the region.
Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls
$57,500
The Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $57,500 to hire a Community Economic Development youth intern for an 18-month period. Specifically, the intern will support business development and growth in the community and enhance year-round tourism programming. This includes expanding the existing farmers market into winter and shoulder seasons, establishing all-season programming and events at Nestor Falls' new mountain bike trails, coordinating more community events and increasing support to local businesses with a specific focus on workforce development and attraction.
Youth Initiatives Funded by FedNor in Northeastern Ontario
The Municipality of St. Charles
$57,500
The Municipality of St. Charles is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $57,500 to hire a youth intern to implement key actions from St.-Charles' Strategic Plan. Specifically, this18-month internship position will play an active role in advancing economic development, community engagement, and infrastructure readiness across the municipality. Key areas of focus include business retention and expansion, access to broadband, industrial land development, and developing and implementing a marketing plan to attract investment, enhancing tourism, improve community branding and secure funding for municipal priorities.
Northern Ontario Home Builders' Association
$57,101
The Northern Ontario Home Builders' Association is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $57,101 to hire a youth intern for an 18-month period. Specifically, the intern will support the regional homebuilding ecosystem, attract business investment, and organize events. The successful candidate will also help develop a five-year strategic plan that will serve as a roadmap for economic growth, while identifying opportunities to attract businesses, investment, and construction capacity to Northern Ontario's residential building sector.
Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce
$57,000
The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $57,000 to hire an Events & Business Development Youth Intern. The intern will serve in a key role supporting priority activities, assisting businesses, enhancing tourism and promoting the Ontario 55+ 2026 Winter Games. This 18-month position will also help update websites, design promotional materials, and assist with email and marketing campaigns in support of the Chamber of Commerce and its members across the region.
Discovery North Bay Museum
$57,000
Discovery North Bay Museum is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $57,000 to hire a digital development intern for 18 months to implement its 2025-2030 Digital Strategy. While on the job, the intern will enhance digital access to the museum's collection of over 20,000 artifacts and documents by creating online exhibits. As part of the role, the intern will also provide support to a popular local tourism attraction, the North Bay Heritage Railway & Carousel.
City of North Bay
$52,500
FedNor is providing the City of North Bay with a non-repayable investment of $52,500 to hire a youth intern for 18 months. While on the job, the intern will help advance Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Initiatives, evaluate the effectiveness of housing strategies, support the implementation of the Trout Lake Policy and the Growth Community Improvement Plan. Additionally, the skilled young graduate will also work to preserve and promote historical assets and local tourism-related projects including updates to the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan.
Town of Bracebridge
$54,500
To support recognition events and activities surrounding its 150th anniversary, the Town of Bracebridge received a FedNor investment of $54,500 to hire a youth intern. The 18-month internship is also supporting a number of key economic development initiatives and legacy projects such as enhancements to the Storybook and Bracebridge Historic Walking trails, as well as upgrades to the Bandshell in Memorial Park, home of the Concert Series, Farmers' Market, and many other prominent festivals and community events.
Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce
$35,900
The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce received non-repayable FedNor funding of $35,900 to hire a youth intern as a Communication and Events Specialist. While on the job, the intern is actively supporting planning and promotional activities, coordinating events, creating social media content, enhancing local tourism and more.
Muskoka Arts & Craft Inc.
$43,941
Muskoka Arts & Craft Inc. is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $43,941 to hire a youth intern to support and promote arts and culture tourism in the Muskoka region. While on the job, the intern will plan and deliver signature initiatives, including the Autumn Art Crawl, the launch of the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Studio Tour, and gallery exhibitions, and more. This 18-month paid internship position will also support the development of new programming and connect artists, local businesses, schools, and organizations to create experiences that attract more visitors and raise the profile of Muskoka's growing cultural tourism industry.
Muskoka Steamships Association
$35,000
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $35,000 allowed the Muskoka Steamships Association to hire a youth intern for a 12-month period. While on the job the intern is working to support the day-to-day operations of the organization to enhance the visitor experience, while strengthening the long-term sustainability of this not-for-profit.
Youth Initiatives Funded by FedNor in Northcentral Ontario
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
$57,500
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre is receiving non-repayable FedNor funding of $57,500 to hire a youth intern to promote innovation and help maximize the economic potential of Northern Ontario's maple syrup sector. Specifically, the intern will support key priorities related to the planning, execution, and post-event activities for the 2026 International Maple Syrup Conference. This industry-leading event will take place in Sault Ste Marie, October 20-25th and is expected to attract approximately 250 attendees, including international producers and industry leaders. This 18-month internship is providing the successful candidate with the opportunity to gain experience in event coordination, communications, and stakeholder engagement within the agri-food sector.
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
$57,500
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre is also receiving non-repayable FedNor funding of $57,500 to hire Regional Innovation Development Youth Intern. This 18-month internship will help advance regional collaboration and innovation, while supporting the implementation and growth of strategic economic development initiatives, including Loving Algoma, an initiative that brings together economic development leaders and stakeholders to help focus regional alignment on key economic priorities. Specifically, the intern will be responsible for event and project coordination, as well as strategic communications to grow and connect regional economic development and innovation initiatives.
Centre d'éducation et de formation pour adultes
$55,335
To help businesses and workers improve French-language capacity and services, the Centre d'éducation et de formation pour adultes is receiving $55,335 to hire a youth intern for 18 months. Working as a marketing and program coordinator, the intern will be responsible to build out programs, promote training opportunities and improve community engagement. This non-repayable FedNor investment will help improve marketing and promotions, while supporting the educational and cultural development of Francophone and Francophile adults in the Sault and Algoma region.
