News Release - Innovation, Science and Economic Development
For Immediate Release
August 9, 2020 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Today is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a time to recognize the contributions of those who’ve called this land home since time immemorial. No relationship is more important to the Government of Canada than that with Indigenous peoples, a Nation-to-Nation partnership. This commitment includes major investments in housing, education and health care, committing to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and co-developed legislation on Indigenous languages and child and family services.
As we walk the road of reconciliation together, the federal government remains strongly committed to creating economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities. This is especially true in Northern Ontario, where the proportion of Indigenous-owned small and medium-sized is over double that of the rest of the province.
Federal government support for Indigenous projects in Northern Ontario
Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced an investment of more than $13 million in support of Indigenous projects across Northern Ontario.
Delivered by FedNor, this funding will support 22 initiatives led by Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations in the region. It will create good, local jobs in Indigenous communities by helping Mobert First Nation and Red Rock First Nation develop economic plans, helping Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation and Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. hire economic development staff and helping the Waabnoong Bemjiwang Association of First Nations conduct asset mapping.
This important investment will also support local projects like new community centres and complexes for the Webequie First Nation and Ojibway Nation of Saugeen and educational initiatives like new equipment for the Seven Generations Education Institute or a training coordinator for the Shwe Miikaan Corporation. Finally, this targeted investment includes nearly $5 million for the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund to enhance business development and growth, including youth entrepreneurship, in First Nations within NADF's vast service area.
Quotes
“True reconciliation means giving Indigenous communities and businesses the chance to succeed. This investment from FedNor will do just that – helping Indigenous businesspeople seize opportunities, helping Indigenous organizations deliver important local projects and helping Indigenous communities embark on the path to self-sufficiency and prosperity. I’m excited to see the difference that this investment will make for Indigenous communities across Northern Ontario.”
--The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“To help kick-start Northern Ontario’s economy, our government is making strategic investments to help communities and businesses capitalize on economic development and growth opportunities. Indigenous small and medium-sized businesses exemplify the ingenuity and drive that is at the core of the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
--Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
“We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada, through FedNor, to enable our communities to effectively plan and strengthen their economies and help a new generation of entrepreneurs take root and flourish right here in the North. The investment announced today will build on NADF’s extensive track record of community planning and business success to create jobs and long-term sustainable growth for our people today and the generations to come.”
--Arlene Meekis, Chair, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund
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Contacts
Alexander Cohen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
