The federal government is putting in close to $5 million to assist municipalities and First Nation communities throughout Northern Ontario in boosting their economic development efforts and aiming for sustainable growth.
Patty Hajdu, the Minister of Jobs and Families as well as the Minister responsible for Fed Nor, shared news of a $4.9-million investment through Fed Nor’s Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario. This funding will back 17 community economic development projects across the area.
This investment will enable the SADC North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation along with 16 municipalities and First Nation communities to bring on board or keep Economic Development Officers over the next three years.
According to Fed Nor, these officers will focus on promoting local economic goals, aiding in strategic planning efforts, attracting investments, and assisting communities in launching projects that create jobs and diversify local economies.
Federal officials indicate that this investment is projected to directly create 18 full-time jobs while also facilitating over 60 additional job opportunities.
“Communities are stronger when everyone has a chance to thrive,” Hajdu stated in a news release. “By hiring 18 Economic Development Officers we are giving municipalities and First Nation communities across Northern Ontario the expertise to plan for the future.”
Local leaders appreciate the funding, noting that having dedicated economic development staff can help push forward community priorities and position them to seize opportunities in areas such as mining, forestry, renewable energy, tourism, and entrepreneurship.
“Hiring an Economic Development Officer gives us a dedicated resource with a sole focus on implementing priority projects identified in our strategic plan. We are excited to have an expert on staff that understands our economic goals and has knowledge and experience to strengthen and grow key sectors of our economy related to mining, forestry, and renewable energy.”
Serpent River First Nation Chief James Owl described this investment as an important move towards fostering long-term economic growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing local prosperity.
“As our regional economy evolves, having an economic expert on staff will allow us to pivot to overcome any challenges and capitalize on opportunities that benefit businesses and families living and working in the region.”
This funding aligns with the federal government’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which prioritizes enhancing the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities.
Since 2015, Fed Nor has allocated $354 million through the Northern Ontario Development Program supporting 883 projects throughout Northern Ontario while leveraging another $754 million from various sources.
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