March 1, 2021 - Sudbury, ON - Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Young Canadians have the talent and drive to succeed, and local employers are eager to benefit from their fresh perspectives. Providing opportunities for young graduates and connecting organizations and businesses to with a skilled and enthusiastic workforce is precisely what a Government of Canada internship initiative is doing in Northern Ontario. Since its inception more than three decades ago, FedNor's youth internship initiative has helped create approximately 1800 jobs for youth in Northern Ontario.
Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, and Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced Government of Canada investments totalling $63,000 to support jobs, growth and innovation in the Sudbury and Nickel Belt region. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Provided through FedNor, this funding will support two separate youth intern initiatives designed to help businesses adopt green technologies, expand operations and explore research collaboration. Both funding recipients will receive $31,500 in Northern Ontario Development Program funding to hire a youth intern for a one-year period to carry out key activities.
The first organization to benefit from this investment is MineConnect, formerly known as the Sudbury and Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA). With a mandate to maximize sales opportunities domestically and globally for Northern Ontario's mining supply and service sectors, the not-for-profit organization will use the FedNor funding to hire an intern to help implement a marketing campaign aimed at expanding its geographic reach, attracting new members and implementing new services. MineConnect's campaign is expected to help the sectors create up to six jobs, as well as maintain 20 others.
The second funding recipient is Green Economy Canada whose youth intern will help conduct market research to highlight best practices and engage businesses in sustainability projects aimed at reducing their environmental footprint as they transition to a low carbon economy.
Today's announcement highlights the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting young Canadians through this difficult time. Helping young people acquire essential on-the-job training will help position Northern Ontario for sustainable growth and future prosperity. Initiatives like the one announced today will only become more important as our economy rebuilds and evolves in the years to come.
Quotes
"Providing young people with the work experience they need to pursue their career aspirations is one way the Government of Canada is helping to develop the workforce of tomorrow. By working with regional development agencies, such as FedNor, we are helping our business and community partners adapt to the quickly evolving social and economic realities, and are supporting their efforts to strengthen Northern Ontario's economy and create good jobs for Northern Ontarians."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
"Today's announcement supports priority growth projects for both MineConnect and Green Economy Canada that will enhance business growth and facilitate innovation in the Sudbury and Nickel Belt regions. Not only will the organization benefits from the skills and enthusiasm that the youth interns bring to the table, the successful candidates will also gain from valuable work experience. It is a win-win for everyone."
- Marc. G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt
"Creating high-quality youth employment in the region opens up new opportunities for young Canadians to build their careers, contribute to the economy, and raise a family right here at home in Northern Ontario. I am happy this funding will support efforts to expand business opportunities in the mining supply and service sectors, as well as engage Northern Ontario companies in green technologies for the benefit of all."
- Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
"We are delighted to partner with FedNor and the Government of Canada to implement a one-stop shopping tool to highlight available Northern Ontario mining supplies and services, making it easier for global customers to connect."
- Ricky Lemieux, President, MineConnect
"We look forward to partnering with FedNor to advance Green Economy Canada's mission by helping businesses in Northern Ontario to reduce their carbon footprint, realizing benefits for member businesses and the environment."
- Priyanka Lloyd, Executive Director, Green Economy Canada
Quick facts
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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.
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Since its inception more than three decades ago, FedNor's youth internship initiative has helped create approximately 1800 jobs for youth across Northern Ontario.
