Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, today announced a FedNor investment of $379,500 in support of youth internship opportunities in Northwestern Ontario. FedNor’s investment will support 24 placements over a three-year period. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North.

“We have incredible young people in Northwest Ontario, with a wide range of skills and knowledge, but matching them to the great opportunities can be complicated. Organizations like the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre will help make sure those matches are made to make sure our youth are given room to learn and grow and become tomorrow’s leaders.”

-       Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

“These internships will provide a fair chance for young people in Northern Ontario to develop their skills and fully participate in our economy. This is part of our plan to grow an economy in our region that works for every generation, so that young people can grow up in Northern Ontario with equitable opportunities.”

-       The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

“There are many innovative, cutting edge organizations in Northwestern Ontario, and even more bright and creative youth with great potential. We are proud to help forge connections and opportunities through our Youth Effect Program. Thanks to FedNor’s support, we will be able to continue supporting Northwestern Ontario’s innovators of tomorrow.”

-       Jeff Coull, Executive Director, Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre

• The funds announced today are provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), through which FedNor invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.

• The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) is a not-for-profit organization that helps commercialize innovation in Northwestern Ontario and build the economy through targeted programs and services for entrepreneurs.

  • From 2017 to 2023, NOIC helped their clients create:
    • Over 50 new companies and businesses;
    • Over 450 jobs;
    • Over 600 new products and services brought to market;
    • and over $165 million in revenue.
  • NOIC and their regional partners have built over $55 million in broadband and cellular infrastructure

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.canada.ca
• Follow us on Twitter @FedNor

Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations