Question Period Note: FedNor Accomplishments

Through its core programming, FedNor supports businesses and communities to capitalize on economic development opportunities in Northern Ontario. FedNor also plays a pathfinder and convener role to further support diverse businesses and communities in the region.

Since 2015, FedNor has invested over $639 million in 1,615 projects led by local businesses, organizations and communities, helping to support over 51,000 jobs in Northern Ontario. In 2022-23, FedNor invested $31,840,000 towards its two core programs. This includes $20,840,000 in the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) to support 142 projects and $11,000,000 in the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) to support 44 projects. These investments have been directed at innovation, business growth, Indigenous initiatives, clean technology, youth retention and relief and recovery funding for businesses impacted by the pandemic.With its commitment to advancing Indigenous economic reconciliation, FedNor recognizes the importance of true collaboration and partnership with First Nations in Northern Ontario. This is why FedNor is engaged with Natural Resources Canada as well as Indigenous Services Canada in implementing the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy and supporting the development of the Ring of Fire region with First Nations and the province.FedNor supports the recruitment of a much-needed skilled workforce in Northern Ontario by helping communities participating in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot attract, integrate and retain newcomers to Canada, including bilingual and French-speaking newcomers.

FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program helps support business scale-up, increase commercialization rates and enhance regional cluster development, resulting in job creation in Northern Ontario. Through its Northern Ontario Development Program, FedNor works closely with and invests in communities to help them attract and retain investment and businesses, in addition to supporting efforts to diversify the regional workforce. FedNor’s programs provide targeted investments to support women entrepreneurs, to build a bilingual workforce, and to support Indigenous business growth. FedNor continues to promote the economic participation of equity-deserving groups, including those with multiple intersecting identities. In addition to its regular programming, FedNor invests in tourism projects to strengthen the regional tourism economy by building capacity. This includes strengthening tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation to rural and remote areas, supporting the Indigenous tourism industry, and extending the shoulder tourism season, all promoting economic, environmental and cultural sustainability.

The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario guides FedNor investments, focusing on Mining, Forestry, Tourism, Manufacturing, Agri-Food and Health and Life Sciences sectors. Since 2020, more than $211 million has been allocated through various regional relief and recovery initiatives to over 1,500 businesses and organizations, helping to maintain nearly 10,000 jobs.