Canada Invests $4.9 Million in Northern Ontario Development
Minister Patty Hajdu announced nearly $5 million in federal funding for five economic development projects in Thunder Bay and across Northern Ontario.
Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu announced federal investments totaling $4,985,998 to support five economic development projects in Thunder Bay and throughout Northern Ontario. The funding is distributed through the Northern Ontario Development Program, the Community Futures Program, and the Economic Development Initiative to drive regional innovation and growth.
The largest portion of the funding, $3,226,303, is allocated to the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise to assist women-led businesses with technology adoption and business development. Thunder Bay Ventures received $1,050,000 to provide business counseling and manage an investment pool for Community Futures Development Corporations.
Additional grants target specialized workforce and business needs. The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association received $394,020 to hire a procurement navigator to help Indigenous businesses secure federal contracts. The Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario was awarded $315,675 to match bilingual workers with regional employers and support long-term settlement.
