NEWS RELEASE
GREG RICKFORD, KENORA MP
***************************
KENORA, ON – Friday, the Hon. Greg Rickford, MP-Kenora and the Minister for Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) announced an investment to support small business development and growth, while creating employment opportunities and strengthening Northern Ontario’s economy.
The investment totalling more than $3 million will enable eligible small and medium-sized businesses in Northern Ontario to hire youth interns for a one-year period to assist with initiatives in the area of innovation, information technology or trade.
The Private Sector Youth Internship Initiative will help companies increase their productivity and competitiveness, while benefitting from the talent and skills offered by post-secondary graduates.
Businesses can apply to participate through their local Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs).
Quick Facts
The funding will be administered in Northwestern Ontario by the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation (Kenora) and in the Northeast by the Nord-Aski Regional Economic Development Corporation (Kapuskasing).
There are 24 CFDCs funded through FedNor to serve Northern Ontario businesses and communities. CFDCs are community-based, not-for-profit organizations run by volunteer boards and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
Since 2006, through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, the Harper Government has invested $329 million in support of more than 1,600 projects. These investments have supported more than 21,500 jobs throughout Northern Ontario.
Quotes
“Our Government is proud to work with community partners, such as Community Futures Development Corporations, to help small and medium-sized enterprises grow, succeed and create jobs right here in Northern Ontario. [Friday’s] announcement will strengthen the regional economy by helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals, while providing employment opportunities for recent post-secondary graduates.” - The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario.
“We are honoured to partner with the Government of Canada through FedNor on this initiative that will help businesses in the region to increase their productivity and competitiveness while helping retain youth in the region.” - Fred Wright, Chair, Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation
To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor.
***************************
