ALGOMA – The Ontario government is providing more than $582,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for 22 job placement opportunities in Algoma–Manitoulin. This investment will help businesses expand operations and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce.

“Our government is helping businesses create real opportunities for diverse local talent to gain essential skills and build careers right here in the North.” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Together with our northern partners, we are creating highly skilled, good-paying jobs that will boost economic growth in Algoma–Manitoulin.”

Investments include:

• $35,000 for the Nimkii-Naabkawagan Family Crisis Shelter in Batchewana First Nation to hire a Crisis Support Worker to provide counselling and support integrated with traditional healing practices
• $35,000 for the Algoma Veterinary Clinic Professional Corporation to hire a Veterinary Intern to increase operational capacity and provide specialized veterinary services in the region

• $35,000 for the Corporation of the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands to hire a Municipal Modernization Intern to develop new asset management, geographic information system (GIS) and route tracking software
• $21,528 for Split Rail Brewing Company Inc. to hire a Marketing and Sales Intern to develop and lead the company’s marketing plan, establish cross-sector partnerships and assist with sales and distribution

The Ontario government is supporting local internships through the NOHFC’s People and Talent Program. The program supports a wide variety of internships, including skilled trades, and addresses the unique needs of other in-demand jobs. Program candidates include new entrants into the workforce, those transitioning to a new career, the unemployed and underemployed.

“Our government has removed barriers to participation so more businesses can provide on-the-job career development, address skilled labour shortages and create more opportunities for a broader range of interns, including more opportunities for Indigenous youth,” said Minister Rickford.

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $608 million in 5,070 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.93 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,100 jobs.

Quick Facts

• The Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.

• A list of all 22 Algoma–Manitoulin NOHFC internship program funding recipients is available on the corporation’s website.

Quotes

“The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands is grateful for the financial support we received from NOHFC, which has allowed us to modernize and streamline our Asset Management and GIS processes, enhance our municipality’s technical skillsets and create a specialized employment opportunity in Northern Ontario. Thank you again for supporting our project and our community.” – Mayor Alan MacNevin, Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands

“New graduate veterinarians are in short supply and particularly difficult to recruit to rural mixed practices in Northern Ontario. NOHFC funding allowed us to offer a new veterinarian a competitive compensation package, provide mentorship and opportunities to expand skills and hopefully build a long-term partnership.” – Keith Good DVM, Managing Director, Algoma Veterinary Clinic

“Recruiting and retaining key team members is essential to small businesses. NOHFC support has enabled us to grow Split Rail’s workforce during challenging economic times. We are deeply appreciative of the existence and impact of this important program.” – Andy (Andrea) Smith, President, Split Rail Brewing Company Inc.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office — 416-450-1309 — erika.robson@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca