FedNor investment paves the way to create 25 jobs and maintain an additional 15 in official language minority communities throughout the region

 Northern Ontario is home to vibrant and prosperous Francophone communities that greatly contribute to the economic, social and cultural vitality of the region. The Government of Canada recognizes that many of those communities are reliant on industries and sectors that have been hard-hit by COVID-19, including tourism, forestry and small business. Through regional development agencies such as FedNor, the federal government continues to invest in these sectors while focusing its efforts on developing new expertise in innovation, economic diversification and business growth.

Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, and Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $884,018 to help create jobs and maximize economic opportunities for Francophone organizations across Northern Ontario. 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’s Northern Ontario Development Program, this targeted investment will enable Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario (AFO) to launch the North Multiplier Effect Program, a new initiative for Northern Ontario. This three-year initiative will provide up to 25 not-for-profit Francophone organizations and social enterprises with up to $25,000 to help maximize business, social and economic opportunities. This pan-Northern Ontario initiative will support early-stage development projects with a high-potential to generate income to support the sustainability of these organizations. Once complete, this priority project is expected to help create 25 jobs and maintain an additional 15 throughout the region.

Today’s announcement highlights the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to support official language minority communities (OLMCs) as they overcome the impacts of COVID-19. As we safely reopen Canada’s economy, the federal government will continue to support Francophone communities, businesses and organizations in their efforts to create jobs, growth, and maximize opportunities made possible through linguistic duality.

Quotes

“Official language minority communities are an integral part of our country’s social, cultural and economic fabric. On the heels of International Francophonie Day, we are proud to be supporting Francophone-led organizations and businesses in their efforts to develop, grow and diversify the economy.” - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

“To help kick-start Northern Ontario’s economy, our government is making strategic investments to help Francophone communities, organizations and businesses capitalize on economic and growth opportunities. I’m proud that today’s announcement will help maximize social and economic opportunities made possible through linguistic duality.” - Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“As a proud French Canadian, I am pleased that today’s announcement will assist up to 25 Francophone organizations on their path to self-sustainability. This investment in l’Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario will help create and maintain jobs, while accelerating growth and improving the economic vitality of Francophone communities in all corners of Northern Ontario – including right here at home in Sudbury-Nickel Belt.” - Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

“We are pleased to partner with FedNor and the Government of Canada to support economic development and growth in official language minority communities across Northern Ontario. The funding announced today will enable us to support Francophone-led social enterprises, not-for-profit organizations and cooperatives to create jobs and help diversify and grow the regional economy.” - Carol Jolin, Président, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario

Quick Facts

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
• The Action Plan for Official Languages – 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future is the Government of Canada's official languages strategy for the period from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2023. This plan is inspired by public feedback provided during cross-Canada consultation between June and December 2016. It outlines the Government of Canada’s vision for supporting official-language minority communities and promoting our two official languages.

Associated Links

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: gc.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor
• Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA

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