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Canada pledges nearly $5M for economic development projects across northern Ontario

The federal government is investing nearly $5 million to help municipalities and First Nation communities across Northern Ontario strengthen their economic development capacity and pursue long-term growth.

Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced a $4.9-million investment through FedNor’s Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario. The funding will support 17 community economic development initiatives across the region.

The investment will allow the SADC North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation and 16 municipalities and First Nation communities to hire or retain Economic Development Officers for the next three years.

According to FedNor, those officers will be responsible for advancing local economic priorities, supporting strategic planning efforts, attracting investment and helping communities develop projects aimed at creating jobs and diversifying regional economies.

Federal officials say the investment is expected to create 18 full-time jobs directly while helping pave the way for more than 60 additional jobs.

“Communities are stronger when everyone has a chance to thrive,” Hajdu said in a news release. “By hiring 18 Economic Development Officers we are giving municipalities and First Nation communities across Northern Ontario the expertise to plan for the future.”

Community leaders welcoming the funding say dedicated economic development staff can help advance local priorities and position communities to take advantage of opportunities in sectors such as mining, forestry, renewable energy, tourism and entrepreneurship.

“Hiring an Economic Development Officer gives us a dedicated resource with a sole focus on implementing priority projects identified in our strategic plan. We are excited to have an expert on staff that understands our economic goals and has knowledge and experience to strengthen and grow key sectors of our economy related to mining, forestry, and renewable energy.”

Serpent River First Nation Chief James Owl described the investment as a significant step toward supporting long-term economic growth, employment opportunities and local prosperity.

“As our regional economy evolves, having an economic expert on staff will allow us to pivot to overcome any challenges and capitalize on opportunities that benefit businesses and families living and working in the region.”

The funding supports the federal government’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which identifies strengthening the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities as a key priority.

Since 2015, FedNor has invested $354 million through the Northern Ontario Development Program in support of 883 projects across Northern Ontario, leveraging an additional $754 million from other sources.

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FedNor gets $39 million to upgrade communal infrastructure in northwestern Ontario

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Northwestern Ontario communities are set to receive a $39 million federal investment aimed at upgrading and repairing community centres, parks, and cultural infrastructure.

This funding comes from Canada’s Build Communities Strong fund and will be delivered through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor). While the money has not yet been distributed, municipalities and Indigenous organizations can now apply online for a piece of the pie.

“These are important places for our residents to gather, exercise, and celebrate community events, and that’s worth saving,” said Thunder Bay MP and FedNor Minister Patty Hajdu. “We often talk about the importance of jobs, but if there’s nothing to do in our communities, if libraries and rec centres and community halls aren’t kept strong, then it becomes less viable to stay in these communities.”

FedNor will roll out the $39 million in funding over the next four years.

Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff shared some fond memories from the 45-year history of the Canada Games Complex (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / June 30 2026)

“This fund is designed to be delivered by economic development agencies who have that really grassroots understanding of communities and can shepherd applicants through the process. FedNor is very good at making sure applicants have the support they need to have a successful response,” Hajdu said.

Hajdu says the funding comes at a time marked by rising loneliness and increasing social disconnection, often tied to social media. She adds that these gathering spaces can help communities thrive again by offering opportunities for meaningful, in-person connection.

“For example, a new mom sitting in a pool with a number of other new moms, connecting over shared experiences and learning from each other. I also think about the many seniors that use [community spaces] every single day to get exercise, then get in the sauna afterwards and share stories about their lives. I think about the birthday parties and gatherings of all kinds,” she said.

“As we face these very challenging times, coming together is a big part of how we move forward with resiliency.”

The announcement was held Tuesday morning at the Canada Games Complex in Thunder Bay, a multipurpose community centre that includes a swimming pool, indoor fitness areas, a fitness testing area, and an indoor running track.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how important this space is to the community,” said Jessy Bogacki, Acting Supervisor at the Canada Games Complex. “We have a thousand people walk through the door every day. Children, families, adults, seniors, we support everybody. It would be such a huge loss if we couldn’t offer what we offer.”

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Business startups could be in luck

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By Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Source: The Chronicle Journal

Ontario has put an additional $6 million in Futurpreneur, making it easier for nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39 to start and grow businesses across the province.

The money boost is part of the province’s overall plan to protect Ontario, supporting more than 3,800 future jobs and helping drive economic growth and competitiveness.
Futurpreneur is a national not-for-profit organization that is one of the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre’s key funding organizations. It connects aspiring business owners with collateral-free loans of up to $75,000, and two years of mentorship and business resources.

The Futurpreneur funding will provide access to financing, one-on-one mentorship, networking opportunities and business planning tools to grow businesses and create jobs.

Richard Gemmill, the Innovation Centre executive director, said Futurpreneur has been a great partner for the centre and compared the organization to the calibre of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and the Angel Network.

“They’re all amazing funders, and Futurpreneur is one of them,” he said. “When Futurpreneur gets access to funding, we scratch each other’s backs to advance opportunities for entrepreneurs here in Northwestern Ontario.”

Gemmell says that when funding organizations receive government support, it opens up more conversations for when clients come through the centre’s doors seeking opportunities to advance.

The centre has its own “envelopes of money,” he says, but it doesn’t apply to everyone, because there are various stages. What this added money will do for Futurpreneur, and also for Northwestern Ontario’s innovation ecosystem, is provide more access to early startup money, he said.

Plans are in the works at the Innovation Centre to host an event that provides access points for young entrepreneurs who are looking for funding.

“We have our core funding partners that we work with, and in close to 26 or 27 years that the organization has been in existence, we’ve been able to partner and work with a number of different funding agents,” he said.

“We never shut a door. We always look for different ways that we can support the ecosystem up here.”

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FedNor supporting 2 Rainy River District agricultural projects

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Two organizations in the Rainy River District are benefiting from FedNor funding.

The Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association is receiving $302,220.

It will use the money toward the second phase of improvements to its regional sales barn in Stratton.

This includes updating the pole barn, improving road access and improving lighting.

The upgrades intend to reduce the time it takes to sort, load and unload animals.

“Thanks to the support of FedNor, the improvements to the sales barn deliver cascading benefits to countless local farmers in our region,” states the association’s Chair, Murray McDonald, in a release.

“Farmers feed cities, and this investment will help us to continue delivering both food security and economic development to Canada.”

The Rainy River Grain Company is getting close to $200 thousand with two FedNor grants.

One hundred and fifty thousand will go toward equipment that allows the company to become a Motor Vehicle Inspection Station.

This includes a crane, welder, lathe, and scanner, as well as hoist lifts, a jack stand, and other equipment.

The tools will also enable the company to improve its ability to service and repair trucks, trailers, and agricultural equipment.

Another $48,419 is being used on the purchase, installation, and certification of a full-length scale to increase the efficiency and accuracy of agri-food transactions for farmers in the Rainy River region.

“These FedNor investments will support key sectors across the Rainy River district,” states Marcus Powlowski, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River.

“Together, these projects will help grow the regional economy, support jobs, and build long-term opportunities for communities across the region.”

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Thunder Bay tech company breaks into global mining

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A Thunder Bay tech company is showing off its cutting edge mining technology to potential clients from around the world this week.

Teleco was invited to the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s International Convention in Toronto. The week-long convention is the world’s premier gathering for the mining industry, projected to attract over 27,000 attendees from 125 countries.

Known for cybersecurity and IT services, Teleco says its surveillance cameras can break new ground in mining.

Representatives from Teleco are showcasing live, hands-on demonstrations of AI-powered PPE detection, thermal imaging, and portable camera systems that can improve safety and efficiency in mineral extraction. Visitors are able to experience real-time safety alerts, see thermal imaging in action, and explore how modern camera technology can support smarter mining operations.

The presentations are held at the Northern Ontario Mining Showcase (NOMS) pavilion, funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor). It’s the largest pavilion at the conference — Teleco is one of 112 businesses and organizations representing the region.

“NOMS highlights the wealth of products, services and investment opportunities the region has to offer,” FedNor said in a press release. “Designed to showcase northern Ontario, a recognized region of mining excellence, NOMS helps businesses in their efforts to scale up, increase sales and exports, and create high-quality jobs.”

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Northern Ontario open for business

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Northwestern Ontario businesses are networking and building partnerships after Wednesday’s Prosperity Northwest conference at the Valhalla Hotel.

The annual trade show is a collaboration between the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and Anishnawbe Business Professional Association.

Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson says there are major economic opportunities on the horizon in the region.

“All industries are going through massive transformation and innovation,” Robinson said. “That’s sort of changing the way business is operating, particularly in mining and forestry. There’s a lot of new technology which opens it up for new suppliers and sources.”

Keynote speakers shared advice for accessing federal procurement opportunities after Canada increased their defence budget this year. An update on the ongoing lithium refinement project was also provided.

Robinson says the conference is important for business leaders to meet the right people, expand their enterprises and ultimately grow the economy.

“The first thing is you need to know who to talk to, and you need to know where the start of the pathway is,” Robinson said. “We’ve got the Innovation Centre, we’ve got the CEDC (Community Economic Development Centre), we’ve got FedNor (Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario). They’re all represented here.”

Founding member Jason Thompson says there was a “buzz in the room” at Prosperity Northwest this year (Jacob Henriksen-Willis/January 28 2026)

Founding member Jason Thompson says the conference is a great way for Indigenous-lead businesses to broaden their reach.

“I’ve always said our people are not anti-development,” Thompson said. “This conference is a great catalyst for getting out here, actively participating, meeting different people, and seeing where the opportunities lie.”

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FedNor will invest into defence industry for northern Ontario

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The Government of Canada is pledging $357 million towards a new Regional Defence Investment Initiative.

The program aims to help small and medium-sized Canadian businesses enter industries relating to defence and military procurement.

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will be spending almost $16 million over the next three years to assist businesses in northern Ontario with transitioning or adapting into the industries.

Businesses can apply for investments from the initiative to enter fields including research and innovation, and domestic supply chain development.

This announcement comes as the Canadian government looks to increase its military spending to meet NATO targets.

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FedNor launching new initiative to help businesses dealing with tariffs

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FedNor has announced that it is launching a new initiative to help businesses dealing with tariffs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the Regional Tariff Response Initiative on September 5, amongst a host of other measures to protect the Canadian economy and now the program is launching in northern Ontario.

The initiative is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses mitigate the effects of a trade war with the United States.

“Northern Ontario businesses are ready to lead, but they need the right tools to stay ahead as the economy rapidly shifts,” said the Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu. “The Regional Tariff Response Initiative is about unlocking that potential. It’s about helping local companies scale up, reach new markets, and build stronger supply chains.”

A total of $19 million was earmarked for the project when it first launched, but that total has now been doubled to $38 million as of Friday.

The minister also noted that if the need exceeds the funding amount, they will top up the initiative with more funding.

“This is a serious time and it requires a serious response and regional economic development agencies like FedNor have been empowered to work with the small and medium-sized businesses that are feeling the pinch and are at risk of losing business,” added Hajdu.

“Ultimately, when you lose business as a small business or a medium-sized business, it puts the success of your entire operation at risk.”

The funding for the initiative is coming through Canada’s tariff response plan, which includes $6.5 billion in new measures to protect Canadian businesses and workers.

Eligible applicants include incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ), including Indigenous (First Nation/Métis/Inuit) businesses that meet the following parameters:

  • Located and operating in Northern Ontario.
  • Employ five or more full-time employees.
  • Viable for at least three consecutive years.
  • Have minimum sales of 25 per cent in the markets targeted by the tariffs, OR be able to demonstrate being negatively affected by the tariffs, including, but not limited to:

    • Increased cost for the purchase of production materials
    • Increased costs from suppliers
    • Increased retail cost of the finished product
    • Reduced purchase orders or sales
    • Addition of an import or export tax
    • Loss of market access
    • Other evidence demonstrating that the business has been negatively impacted.

Priority may be given to businesses operating in the steel, automotive, critical minerals, mining, forestry, clean technology, bioeconomy, and agriculture sectors.

Retail and those operating in the tourism sector are not eligible under this program.

More information on the program can be found by clicking here.

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Federal government spending $1.9 million to support forestry, economic development in the region

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The federal government has announced $1.9 million in funding to support the forestry sector and economic development in northwestern Ontario.

A total of four projects are receiving funding, which is coming through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

Most of the money, or $1,701,000, is going to the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE).

The organization is using the funding to develop, support, and scale up regionally specific Integrated Wood Biorefineries and manufacturing clusters (concentration of connected companies in a particular field).

A forest bio-economy focuses on the use of low-carbon materials derived from forest biomass and the supply chains that serve to produce those materials.

The funds will also be used to help put on networking events and will foster development, commercialization, and investment in new products and services to grow the forest products sector.

CRIBE’s NextFor initiative will also be expanded with the funding.

“The tariffs on softwood lumber have been ongoing for a number of years and have been challenged by Canada in many cases,” explained the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu. “In fact, I believe in all cases we’ve won those appeals at the international tribunals; however, they continue to be applied.”

“So either we pivot and we figure out how we sell lumber to other countries, but also I think importantly through CRIBE’s lens, how we sell other products to other countries or we will continue to face these tariff actions from the United States, which is one of the biggest purchasers of our lumber.”

“So this allows CRIBE to do that innovation that they need to do for Canadian companies that will allow our region and the employers in our region to be able to think about how they diversify the products that they’re selling through the forestry industry.”

The Townships of Nipigon, Terrace Bay, and Schreiber are splitting the remaining funds.

The townships are using the funding to develop a five-year strategic plan, as well as a community profile.

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FedNor spending over $375,000 to support research and innovation at Confederation College

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The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) is sending $377,745 to Confederation College to support the hiring of two new staff members to support research and innovation at the college.

The funding will help the College create two new three-year positions:

  • Manager of business development, applied research
  • Lead researcher, computer science

The individuals filling these roles will help build stronger research projects that target industry needs in the region.

Student researchers will support the two new positions to gain valuable learning and experience opportunities.

“Northern Ontario grows stronger when local partners bring new ideas and build lasting partnerships,” explained the Minister Responsible for FedNor, Patty Hajdu.

“To build on this strength, Canada is investing in projects that spark creativity across industries, helping businesses tackle today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s economy. A resilient Northern Ontario is one that keeps building for the future.”

The project will focus on expanding the knowledge of Confederation College’s Office of Applied Research and Innovation in the areas of software development, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer programming.

The funding will support new and improved processes and services for commercial partners in the region, and grow the number of products and new technologies coming out of Northwestern Ontario.

“Confederation College is proud to contribute to the advancement of research and innovation across Northwestern Ontario,” explained President Michelle Salo.

“This investment from FedNor strengthens our ability to work closely with industry partners, create hands-on learning opportunities for our students, and support the economic development of our region through applied research.”

The project will also help support Confederation College in facilitating increases in commercialization for small and medium enterprise businesses through meaningful collaborations with industry partners, all of which will help improve innovation in the region.