Increased opportunities for young people who are interested in developing entrepreneurial skills or gaining on-the-job work experience are critical to keeping youth in the region while building a strong, diverse, inclusive and innovative economy in Northern Ontario.
The Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor), is allocating $563,831 to provide partners with the opportunity to give 12 talented Northern Ontario post-secondary graduates the work experience they need to pursue their careers. These FedNor investments are helping to bring youth and organizations together for a period of one to two years, giving them the tools and resources they need to play an active role in the recovery, rebuilding and re-energizing of the region's economy.
Northeastern Ontario youth initiatives supported by FedNor under the Northern Ontario Development Program
Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation (Sagamok) $70,000
Funding of $70,000 has enabled the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation to hire a youth intern for two years as an Information Technology (IT) Network Technician to assist in all aspects of coordinating the installation of new high-speed fibre internet service in this community located on the north shore of Lake Huron. The new service will enable the band administration and local businesses to modernize their operations and increase productivity. In addition to the IT tasks, the intern will help businesses adopt to the new technology and implement wireless digital signage throughout the community.
The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) $35,000
Thanks to $35,000 in funding, the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) will hire a youth intern for one year as a Business Development Program Coordinator. The intern will be responsible for helping reorganize the management, production and marketing of the CIF's premier scientific publication, The Forestry Chronicle, with a goal of raising the profile of the journal nationally and internationally as a respected and valuable journal for scientists and researchers. The intern will also work with the CIF program staff to help deliver national outreach activities aimed at promoting sustainable forest management practices, new tools and technologies and research to forest practitioners and industries located in Northern Ontario.
Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency (MTMA) $35,000
With a $35,000 investment, the Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency will hire a youth intern for one year to assist the organization with developing and implementing a social media marketing campaign as part of the overall marketing plan to boost tourism in the District of Muskoka. The intern will be responsible for managing and enhancing the content and usage of the MTMA's current social media platforms which include Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, and LinkedIn to market the region as a premier tourist destination.
The Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF) $31,500
A contribution of $31,500 has enabled the Weengushk International Film Festival (WIFF) to hire a youth intern for one year to develop and execute a marketing events plan to help ensure the sustainability of the festival and the Indigenous film industry in Northern Ontario. Using new virtual technology, the intern will help the festival expand its reach to Indigenous and industry stakeholders across Canada and encourage their continuous participation in both virtual and in-person film festivals. The position is located in M'Chigeeng at the Weengushk Film Institute's head office, on Manitoulin Island.
Northcentral Ontario youth initiative supported by FedNor under the Northern Ontario Development Program
Township of Moonbeam $75,000
Thanks to an investment of $75,000, the Township of Moonbeam will hire a youth intern for two years to plan and execute several initiatives for the municipality and other community groups that will enhance business viability. Specifically, the intern will assist in developing a marina, improving the community trails, marketing the local grocery store cooperative and developing a tourism plan to increase stakeholder involvement and regional partnerships to help bring in more visitors and grow the tourism sector.
The Kapuskasing Golf Club (KGC) $57,500
The Kapuskasing Golf Club is receiving $57,500 to hire a youth intern for an 18-month period to help market and promote the club as a year-round venue for use by the members and general public. Specifically, the intern will redevelop the club's website, increase its social media and online store presence, and develop a marketing plan to increase the number of events and usage of the facility.
Town of Latchford $55,161
The Town of Latchford will receive $55,161 to hire a Community Economic Development Intern for an 18-month period to help develop the economic development capacity of this very small municipality. The intern will develop a tourism action plan aimed at increasing visitors to the region, update the municipal website and create an on-line social media presence, assist in the development of an industrial park and help local businesses adapt to a post COVID-19 economy.
The Corporation of the Town of Cobalt $52,500
The Town of Cobalt is receiving a contribution of $52,500 to hire a youth intern for an 18-month period to assist with various municipal economic development activities and Information Technology (IT) improvements. Specifically, the intern will help develop a housing strategy, update the tourism inventory, work with local businesses to implement post-pandemic operating best practices, and foster regional partnerships to promote the region. The internship also involves assisting the IT department modernize its infrastructure and processes such as leading the website redesign project for a complete Content Management System and creating an on-line social media presence to improve technology, accessibility, services, and security.
The Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) $35,000
With a $35,000 investment, the Timmins Economic Development Corporation will hire a youth intern for one year to help enhance the TEDC's two websites in support of marketing initiatives in the Timmins area. The intern will finalize website content, help design a marketing and promotion strategy and supporting materials for the "Invest in Timmins" and "Move to Timmins" websites.
Northwestern Ontario youth initiatives supported by FedNor under the Northern Ontario Development Program
Mikinakoos Children's Fund (Mikinakoos) $47,250
A $47,250 contribution will enable Mikinakoos to hire a youth intern for an 18-month period to strengthen the sustainable food security for the 33 First Nation communities they serve. The intern will work with community leaders and partners to ensure that the supplies are received, stored and distributed properly to Northern communities. Specifically, the intern will develop Mikinakoos's partnership with the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) in Thunder Bay to help create a direct line and relationship with food sources.
City of Thunder Bay $35,000
Thanks to a $35,000 contribution, the City of Thunder Bay will hire a youth intern for one year to develop an Archaeological Management Plan that will identify and document archaeological sites within the City of Thunder Bay and the settlement area of Fort William First Nation. The data collected will support future private and public developments, while preserving important heritage. This project is a partnership with Lakehead University's Department of Anthropology.
Friends of Grain Elevators (FOGE) $34,920
Funding of $34,920 will enable the Friends of Grain Elevators (FOGE) to hire a youth intern for one year to develop a marketing plan to promote the local grain elevators as major tourist attractions and enhance visitor experiences to Thunder Bay. The plan will include a video documentary, an enhanced website, organizing Family-Friendly "Grain Days" Festival, delivery of grain-industry related information sessions on-board cruise ships, and a new grain heritage display on the retired Coast Guard Icebreaker, Alexander Henry.
