KIIWETINOONG – The Ontario government is providing more than $453,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for 14 job placement opportunities in Kiiwetinoong and Mushkegowuk—James Bay. This investment will help businesses expand operations and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce.

“Our government is hard at work making targeted investments that support meaningful careers in Kiiwetinoong and Mushkegowuk—James Bay,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Together with our northern partners, we are creating real opportunites that will help businesses expand and boost economic growth and prosperity in the North.”

Investments include:

• $65,001 for the Corporation of the Municipality of Red Lake to hire an Infrastructure Intern to gather and analyse GIS (global information system) data and a Recreation and Activities Programmer to develop, market and carry out creative and inclusive recreational, cultural and social activities and events for the community
• $35,000 for Institut de Recherche InnovaNor to hire a Psychometrics and Administrative Assistant Intern to facilitate the assessment process, including administering tests and interpreting results, and provide administrative and financial management support
• $35,000 for Smooth Rock Falls Hospital and Cochrane District Detox Centre to hire a Program Worker to oversee admission and discharge procedures, provide supportive counsel to residents and ensure proper documentation

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.

Additional Resources

• Download a listing of all internship projects related to this news release [XLS]

Quotes

“We would like to thank the NOHFC program and Minister Rickford for investing and providing much-needed support for our community. Through this assistance, the Municipality of Red Lake was able to hire a Recreation and Activities Programmer, whose work has already enhanced participation rates for multiple organized events and activities. We truly thank NOHFC for providing these opportunities to our residents” – Fred Mota, Mayor, Municipality of Red Lake

“We are grateful for the opportinuty provided by the NOHFC internship program to hire a person with outstanding qualities and skills, who has brought new ideas to the team at Centre Labelle Center and advanced files that directly meet the needs of our organization and communities.” – Lyne Poliquin, mental health consultant, Centre Labelle Centre, Le Groupe InnovaNor

“The NOHFC internship program is an amazing initiative and opportunity to hire, develop and retain new talent. The Smooth Rock Falls Hospital-Cochrane District Detox Centre used funding from the NOHFC to provide job opportunities for new local graduates.” – Sonia T. Gravel, Executive Director, Hopital de Smooth Rock Falls Hospital

Media Contacts

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

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