THUNDER BAY -- A $6,899,535 investment from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) announced this week will foster economic growth in Indigenous communities throughout Northern Ontario while aligning with the federal government's commitment to economic reconciliation.
'Today's investment of nearly $7 million into Indigenous-led business across Northern Ontario will support development in remote and rural Indigenous communities, creating good stable jobs, and helping to grow an economy that works for everyone,' said Patty Hajdu, minister of Indigenous Services and minister responsible for FedNor. 'The projects reflect economic reconciliation in action, and will support Indigenous communities across the region in self-determined economic development through locally-driven initiatives.' Among the projects to be funded are the expansion and development of locally-led community and business support services, the creation of locally-driven economic development corporations and new construction and renovation initiatives involving community infrastructure and land development. Also included in the funding is the completion of several critical studies and strategic plans as well as infrastructure development and training to support resource extraction, including purchasing specialized mining equipment. Hajdu says these projects are anticipated to create new jobs, maintain and develop strategic alliances across sectors, and lead to new and upgraded community and business assets. 'These investments will also help with training and provide other supports for new and existing local businesses, resulting in increased efficiency and production for local businesses,' she added in a news release. Sandi Krasowski is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter at the Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journa