FedNor funds will help develop and expand young talent while also supporting young entrepreneurs across the region
North Bay – Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, announced Government of Canada investments totaling $164,100 to support youth employment and entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Of the funding, a total of $129,100 will go to the North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) to support the transformation of its youth entrepreneurship training program, branded as Head Start in Business, to a virtual format in order to increase the program’s reach across Northern Ontario. In the current version of the program, North Claybelt has delivered 780 workshops to over 14,000 youth while maintaining and creating 175 partnerships throughout the North. It has also assisted 190 youth to open micro-businesses. North Claybelt will continue to partner with the 23 other CFDCs across Northern Ontario to promote the new program format.
The remaining $35,000 will help Near North Mobile Media Lab hire a youth intern to coordinate the biennial Ice Follies Festival on Lake Nipissing. This two week event will promote local Indigenous culture and takes place between February 7-21, 2025. This new internship position will provide the individual with exposure to key duties, including logistical planning, community engagement, and artistic curation.
“Today’s funding gives the talented youth of Northern Ontario a fair chance at success, one to help develop their on-the-job skills and give them equitable opportunities in today’s workforce. This investment will help support our business and grow an economy in Northern Ontario that is fair for all generations.” – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor