NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY - Businesses and communities across the country are working hard to recover from the effects of COVID-19 and the Government of Canada continues to support their efforts during these difficult times. Through strategic investments in technology and innovation, the government is providing them with the tools and resources they need to not only survive but thrive as we recover, grow and transition to a green economy.

Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced a FedNor investment of $774,177 in reThink Green to support the expansion of its Green Economy North initiative across Northeastern Ontario. Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages, was also on hand for the announcement, which was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North.

This FedNor investment will empower reThink Green to aid businesses, not-for-profits, and other public sector agencies to enhance productivity and reduce their carbon footprint. It will help businesses and start-ups improve their operations, and reduce operational costs in areas related to greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and waste reduction. Expanding Green Economy North will also ensure businesses have direct access to coaching and advisory services, as well as tracking and reporting tools such as carbon accounting software and surveys. Participating businesses will also benefit from access to online resources such as a green team guide, case studies and an energy auditing toolkit.

This targeted investment will also support the newest addition to Green Economy North, a revolutionary microgrant program that will be exclusively available to current and future members in Fall 2022. Designed to fill an identified gap within the existing incentive-based ecosystem, the micro-grant program will provide up to $5,000 to cover a maximum of 50% of costs linked to the implementation of projects that increase energy efficiencies and reduce emissions. The funding could be used for a wide range of innovative project-based solutions, with costs allocated towards equipment, materials, external labour, and planning-related activities.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is investing in businesses and organizations to achieve real benefits for the environment and the economy, including the creation of high-quality jobs for the people of Northern Ontario. Today’s announcement highlights our commitment to building strategic alliances with organizations and businesses to further position Canada as a leader on climate change and the green economy.”- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North

“A strong economy and clean environment go hand-in-hand, making life more affordable for households and improving quality of life for families. I am proud that our government, at every turn, remains focused on supporting businesses and workers as we equitably transition to a green economy.”- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

”We have helped put small and medium-sized businesses on the road to recovery and it’s time to shift gears by increasing support for both our economic and environmental future. I am proud that this strategic investment will help Northern Ontario succeed on both these fronts. By working together with the business community to help them reach their economic, social and environmental goals, we are creating jobs for our children and grandchildren, while making Canada a stronger, more sustainable and prosperous nation.” - Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“We look forward to what this means for green economy leaders in our communities and how this will positively impact the resilience and success of the local low-carbon economy. We’re truly grateful for all the inquiries we’ve received from potential members beyond our region these past few years, and are really excited about this next big step!” -  Rebecca Danard, Executive Director, reThink Green

“As an affiliated hub of Green Economy Canada, we know the program can increase members' productivity and market competitiveness. Broader social and economic benefits include the attraction, engagement, and retention of talented employees, plus the opportunity to connect with clients and customers who value a sustainable brand.” - Simon Blakeley, Director, Green Economy North

"Science North has been focused on climate action initiatives for many years, both for our audiences and for our operations. From major solar panel installations, to three-stream waste management, to experiences focused on growing the knowledge of our audiences, Science North is proud to align its goals with the national target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We're excited that our relationship with reThink Green will help us measure and reduce our environmental footprint, while forming thriving connections with people across Northern Ontario." - Julie Moskalyk, Science Director of Science North

Quick facts

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
• Since 2018, FedNor has provided more than $78 million in REGI funding to support 110 projects. Once complete, these projects are expected to help create and maintain more than 4,570 jobs in communities and First Nations across Northern Ontario.
• reThink Green is an environmental programs incubator headquartered in Greater Sudbury and provides programs, offers events, and encourages knowledge-sharing and collaboration among businesses, municipalities, and other stakeholders.  It connects people, ideas, and resources to help create more sustainable communities. The organization was officially founded in 2006, with a focus on regional environmental initiatives.

Media Contact
Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant, Marc G. Serré MP for Nickel Belt
[email protected]
705-507-2416