FedNor invests in young entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario

July 15, 2020

Minister Mélanie Joly announces more than $3.9 million to expand entrepreneurial opportunities and create more jobs for Northern Ontario youth and strengthen the economy

SUDBURY (July 15, 2020) – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

The future of Northern Ontario’s economy relies on the talent and skills of our young people. From high school students starting small summer enterprises to college and university graduates leading promising start-ups, youth in the region are critical to continued growth and success, and the Government of Canada is there to support them.

Federal government support for young entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario

As nations around the world celebrate World Youth Skills Day, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced more than $3.9 million in federal investments to support youth initiatives and young entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario.

Delivered by FedNor, this funding will support 28 initiatives with numerous organizations that are working with the Government of Canada to create youth employment and support young entrepreneurs. This includes
support for on-the-job technical and skills training, as well as a business incubator for students to help grow the entrepreneurial spirit among talented young entrepreneurs.

Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs through this difficult time. Helping young people acquire essential on-the-job training or navigate their way through a career in entrepreneurship will help set Northern Ontario on a course for future prosperity. Initiatives like these will only become more important as our economy rebuilds and evolves in the years to come.

Quotes

“The energy and ingenuity of young Canadians are critical to the success of our economy. We know that young entrepreneurs have been hit hard by COVID-19, and we stand with them. Our message to them is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens and we’ll work with you to create more jobs.”

  • The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Today’s announcement will help stem the flow of youth out-migration in Northern Ontario by creating meaningful employment opportunities and skills-training for young Canadians, while supporting our next generation of entrepreneurs. I am pleased that FedNor investments are delivering results for Northern Ontario youth, which includes creating more than 1750 jobs through its youth internship initiative.”

  • Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

Quick facts

  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s programs, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
  • FedNor is contributing more than $3.9 million to support 28 initiatives led by organizations that focus on increasing entrepreneurship skills, awareness and opportunities for youth in Northern Ontario.

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Contact:

Jeremy Ghio
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
jeremy.ghio@canada.ca

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca