Federal funding helps Indigenous-owned business capitalize on opportunities within Northern Ontario's mining industry
The Indigenous economy in Canada is estimated at more than $30 billion, with growth projections outpacing the overall national economy. The federal government remains strongly committed to supporting its continued growth by investing in Indigenous-led initiatives that help communities, businesses and organizations innovate, scale up and build for the future. This is especially true in Northern Ontario, which is home to a large proportion of Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized businesses.
Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced a Government of Canada investment of $1 million to help Z'gamok Construction LP (Z'gamok) scale up by purchasing up to 10 large tri-axle dump trucks. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and is expected to create 10 or more full-time jobs.
Specifically, the FedNor funding will allow this Indigenous-owned business to capitalize on immediate and potential future opportunities through Impact and Benefits Agreements with Vale Canada, and KGHM International Ltd. for its Victoria Mine project. Located just west of Sudbury, Victoria Mine is under construction and the new hauling trucks will provide Z'gamok with the capacity to qualify for major haulage contracts. The new trucks will also help position Z'gamok to provide addition services during all phases of Victoria Mine project, while supporting its expanding role at Vale's Totten mine.
