MP tony clementThe Honourable Tony Clement (Parry Sound—Muskoka), on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), announced today an investment to support technology and innovation services, enhance regional economic development activities, and encourage Aboriginal business development and growth in seven Northern Ontario First Nation communities.

A FedNor investment totalling $922,250 will support the community economic and business development efforts of the Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation, as well as two innovation and technology projects being delivered by the Mushkegowuk Council.

The funding is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development and Community Futures programs, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

According to the release, the Mushkegowuk Council will get $602,250 to “support two projects that will encourage business development, growth and job creation, and enhance technology services throughout the organization’s catchment area, which includes the First Nation communities of Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany, Moose Cree, Taykwa Tagamou, Chapleau Cree and Missanabie Cree.”

$457,650 will go to support the implementation of its regional economic development strategy.  This investment will enable the organization to establish a regional business corporation to support Aboriginal business development and youth entrepreneurs, enhance growth, create new training opportunities, and help First Nation communities identify and capitalize on resource development opportunities in the region.

The other $144,600 will allow member First Nations to undertake a document digitizing initiative.

Specifically, the project will help integrate important municipal documents into an existing geographic information systems (GIS), ensuring that the geo-referenced information can be used efficiently in support of shared economic development activities. This strategic investment will also help maximize the effectiveness of the system by training leaders, managers and employees on GIS best practices.

“On behalf of the Mushkegowuk Council and the First Nations that will benefit from today’s announcement, I would like to thank the Government of Canada for investing to grow our regional economy,” said Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Lawrence Martin, “Its financial support for these important projects will help create jobs and position communities throughout the area for economic success.”

The remaining $320,000 is headed for the ongoing operations of the Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) for a one-year period.

In particular, the funding will enable the organization to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with access to capital and business counselling services.

The Wakenagun CFDC is one of 24 Community Futures Development Corporations funded by FedNor to serve Northern Ontario businesses and communities. CFDCs are community-based, not-for-profit organizations run by volunteer boards and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.

“The Harper Government is proud to support the efforts of Northern Ontario’s First Nation communities to harness the economic potential of the region and maximize business development and growth opportunities,” said Clement, “Today’s announcement will help fuel the regional economy and contribute to building a solid foundation for the long-term prosperity of Aboriginal communities throughout the area.”

Since 2006, through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, the Harper Government has invested $343 million in support of more than 1,645 projects. These investments have supported more than 21,500 jobs throughout Northern Ontario.