Media.Knet.Ca

FedNor press release ...

Government Invests $6.7M In Northwestern Ontario

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) INITIATIVES - $2,402,961

Keewaytinook Okimakanak (K-Net)

A FedNor contribution of $500,000 will help K-Net to identify and address ICT needs, promoting broadband uses among First Nation communities across Northern Ontario. This will enable First Nation communities to share electronic files, access online services, and take advantage of video conferencing technology and e-commerce opportunities.

An additional $500,000 will assist K-Net to interconnect its network of remote First Nations and the networks of health and education facilities. This project will facilitate more extensive and efficient sharing of information and broadband applications.

The remaining $500,000 will assist K-Net in upgrading telehealth and digital X-Ray equipment in Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and several remote First Nation communities, providing patients with access to medical specialists without the need to travel to other centres.

Lakehead Social Planning Council

Under the direction of the United Way of Thunder Bay, the Lakehead Social Planning Council will use FedNor funding of $400,000 over the next three years to establish 2-1-1 community information and referral services across all of Northern Ontario. As part of a national initiative, this project will help residents find and access a variety of social and health services.

Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC)

The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre will receive $288,000 to address gaps in broadband services in Northern Ontario and encourage small businesses to take advantage of high speed Internet applications. An additional $53,334 will be used to expand its services and programming, and $21,667 will support the development and delivery of a series of interactive sessions to help companies foster an innovative work environment.

Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute

With a FedNor investment of $139,960, the Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute will upgrade its distance learning infrastructure and capacity to improve access to postsecondary education and training for Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities.

TOURISM INITIATIVES - $1,832,111

Township Of Nipigon

A FedNor contribution of $1,532,111 will be used to help Nipigon implement its municipal revitalization plan, which centres on the creation of a tourism attraction inspired by the children’s book, Paddle to the Sea. This project will include the construction of a large family park in the downtown area, as well as a promenade and a series of 18 interactive stations reflecting chapters of the book.

Town of Fort Frances

A FedNor investment of $300,000 is supporting the first phase of Fort Frances’ Heritage Tourism Plan. This project focuses on renovating and expanding the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre, including the construction of exhibits.

SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVES - $1,187,500

Atikokan Economic Development Corporation

An investment of $290,000 will support the ongoing operations of the Atikokan CFDC, providing services to support local economic development and small business growth, including access to capital, business services, assistance with community-based projects and strategic community planning.

Greenstone Economic Development Corporation

The Greenstone CFDC will use FedNor funding of $322,500 to support its ongoing operations that focus on local economic development and small business growth. Its primary services include access to capital, business counselling and technical services, and assistance with special community initiatives and strategic planning.

Chukuni Communities Development Corporation

Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation (LOWBIC)

These regional Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) will each use a FedNor contribution of $287,500 to support their ongoing operations that focus on local economic development and small business growth, including access to capital, business counselling services, strategic community planning and assistance with community-based projects.

FIRST NATION INITIATIVES - $1,083,019

Naicatchewenin First Nation

A FedNor investment of $463,800 will enable Naicatchewenin First Nation to expand its cedar furniture manufacturing plant, Kish Gon Dug (KGD) and acquire additional equipment. An additional $141,930 will be used to provide marketing and production management counselling, helping KGD manage its current sales commitments, identify new opportunities, and develop a long-term capital improvement plan enabling the company to achieve full production capacity.

Pikangikum First Nation

Pikangikum First Nation will use a FedNor contribution of $477,289 to develop value-added forestry opportunities for the community’s Whitefeather Forest Initiative. Activities will include securing environmental assessment approval for commercial forestry projects and the completion of a forestry management plan.

YOUTH INITIATIVES - $216,935

Eight new youth Interns will gain valuable job experience through FedNor’s Youth Internship Program (YIP), helping them make the transition from the campus to the workplace. Their responsibilities will include website and database editing, implementing marketing plans and coordinating economic development. Host organizations receiving FedNor YIP funding of up to $27,500, are:

• Wawatay Native Communications Society (2 Interns)
• The Friends of Chippewa Park
• The Community Arts and Heritage Education Project
• Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing-Ne-Yaa-Zhing Non-profit Advisory Services
• Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
• Township of Dorion
• Shigogama First Nations Council

On August 8, 2006, Minister Clement celebrated the 1000th youth intern placement in Northern Ontario. In the last year alone, FedNor has invested $676,935 in support of 25 youth interns in Northwestern Ontario.

+++++++

From FedNor press release ....

Government Invests Over $2.7 Million In The Timmins-James Bay Area

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, April 27, 2007 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, underlined the commitment of Canada’s New Government to Northern Ontario today by announcing the results of a $28.1M investment in support of 140 economic development projects benefiting hundreds of communities located throughout the vast region. Minister Clement announced the funding, provided by FedNor’s two main programs – Northern Ontario Development and Community Futures – during a visit to Sault Ste. Marie this morning.

“Today’s announcement shows that Canada’s New Government’s is committed to improve the economic well-being of the businesses and residents across Northern Ontario,” stated Minister Clement. “Investing in technology, youth and community economic development will help create jobs and diversify the economy.”

Of the total, over $2.7 million is earmarked for the Timmins-James Bay area, supporting 12 projects that will improve the social and economic prosperity of the region through investments in youth-related initiatives, broadband expansion across the region, and community economic development projects (see attached information sheet).

“Today’s announcement is an investment in the future of our region and reinforces the vital role FedNor has played, and continues to play, in the revitalization of Northern Ontario’s economy,” stated Timmins Mayor, Tom Laughren. “FedNor’s investment will allow Timmins and surrounding areas to take concrete steps to ensure that our region remains competitive, helping us to grow and allowing us to capitalize on emerging opportunities."

As outlined in Budget 2007, Canada’s New Government is creating competitive advantages for a stronger economy by reducing Canada’s debt, lowering the taxes on hard-working families, helping Canadian businesses compete globally, and making unprecedented investments in the infrastructure that connects the nation.

Today’s announcement supports FedNor’s strategic approach to helping Northern communities transition to a knowledge-based economy. More specifically, FedNor is meeting key Northern priorities, including: helping young graduates find full-time employment through FedNor’s Youth Internship Program; ensuring that Northern communities have access to broadband so that residents can take advantage of the latest e-learning and tele-health initiatives; providing access to capital and advice for small business owners and entrepreneurs; developing an innovation capacity for medical and resource-based research; supporting trade networks to link Northern products and services to international markets; and facilitating marketing partnerships between tourism operators to attract new visitors to Northern Ontario.

By supporting the residents of Timmins-James Bay through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://fednor.ic.gc.ca

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-671-0715 or 1-877-333-6673