The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario is investing nearly $5 million toward supporting job creation and upskilling in technology fields.
FedNor has unveiled a total investment of $4.6M across six strategic initiatives in Ontario, targeting sectors like defence and AI.
The FedNor funding is “supporting Canada’s defence sector, skills training, and job creation,” commented Pauline Rochefort, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming.
“By supporting Canada’s defence sector and skills training, we are helping businesses scale up and become more innovative, competitive and successful,” stated Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs. “This will grow opportunities for businesses, students and skilled workers, and build tomorrow’s workforce, here at home.”
Innovation Initiatives Ontario North will receive funding $2.5 million to support the evolution of its Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program, kick-start its Ignite AI program to help firms leverage new tech, and extend its Skills Development Placement Program.
These projects are expected to create more than 100 new jobs.
“As a result of this funding, IION can help more businesses innovate, adopt new technologies, increase sales, create new jobs, and develop new products,” commented executive director Matthew Doherty. “Our goal is to help innovators turn their ideas and projects into reality and today’s announcement will help make that happen.”
The announcement also includes $2M for Canadore College to support development of its Advanced Training Simulation Wing and establish a new Product Development Fund to help businesses commercialize new products.
Once complete, these projects are forecast to create at least 30 new jobs.
“Canadore is grateful for the continued support of FedNor and the Government of Canada,” remarked Dr. Sandra Efu, chief executive officer of Canadore College.
“The funding announced today … will give us the capacity to engage in projects that meet the immediate and future needs of students, the defence sector, businesses, and organizations,” Efu continued. “These priority initiatives will help fuel economic development and employment in the region by helping us expand our Advanced Training Simulation Wing and forge new and lasting strategic business alliances.”
