NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is providing nearly $1.2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for 37 job placement opportunities in the Nipissing region. This investment will help businesses expand operations and grow Northern Ontario’s workforce.

“The Ontario government recognizes the need to support career development opportunities in Nipissing,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “That’s why, we’re investing almost $1.2 million through the NOHFC’s Workforce Development Program to enhance our local economy and provide the financial backing for our local business owners so they can hire high-quality interns.”

Internship projects receiving NOHFC funding include:

• $55,016 for Mincon Canada to hire a Quality Technician Intern to manage its Quality Management Program and a Supply Chain Assistant to manage the shipping, receiving and inspection of incoming and outgoing products
• $35,000 for Rise Controls Inc. to hire an Automation Specialist Intern to design and control the company’s automations systems
• $35,000 for SYTC Logistics to support a second-year Electrical Apprentice to become a licensed trades person
• $23,920 for the 1886 Lake House Bistro to hire a Junior Sous Chef to manage all components of its kitchen operations
• $21,258 for The Engraving Shoppe to hire a Graphic Design Intern to take on graphic design and marketing duties.

“We are helping northerners find new opportunities to gain hands-on experience that lead to rewarding careers right here at home in Northern Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Our investments help connect businesses to local, talented young people and job seekers, securing highly skilled, good-paying jobs. Our government has removed barriers to participation so more businesses can provide on-the-job career development, address skilled labour challenges and create more pathways for a broader range of interns.”

The Ontario government is supporting local internships through the NOHFC’s Workforce Development 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.

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 $864 million in 7,028 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.5 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,932 jobs.

Quick Facts

• The Ontario government’s enhanced NOHFC programming supports more projects in rural northern communities and makes it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programming targets existing and emerging markets, provides more work opportunities for Indigenous people and addresses the skilled labour shortage in the North.
• A list of all 37 Nipissing NOHFC internship program funding recipients is available on the corporation’s website.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

 Quotes

“One of the standout features of Mincon Canada is its unwavering commitment to quality and reliability. In a strategic move to enhance our workforce, Mincon Canada has hired two interns using funds provided through the NOHFC Workforce Development Program. This initiative has enabled us to expand our team and undertake projects related to supply chain and quality control, while also providing meaningful career development opportunities in North Bay.” – Belinda McDevitt, General Manager, Mincon Canada

“The Engraving Shoppe has had the privilege of employing a full-time graphic designer with NOHFC Intern funding. It has been a useful resource to be able to offer competitive wages to help retain our local talent in Northern Ontario.” – Sean McKinstry, Co-Owner, The Engraving Shoppe

“We’d like to thank NOHFC and MPP Vic Fedeli for the funding opportunities that help break down some of the barriers for new and expanding companies. This funding has allowed us to grow our team here in North Bay and we are proud to be building automation and robotics expertise in the North.” – Dominic Girard, Founder, Rise Controls Inc.

“The NOHFC program helps to provide financial security in northern communities. With this funding being made available to smaller companies, it allows growth in each industry. By just adding this one employee to our small company, SYCTR has grown by 100 per cent. This has opened up opportunities for Indigenous communities in this area. SYCTR is very appreciative of this program funding and all that help administer it.” – Andrew Restoule. Owner, SYCTR Logistics

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office
437-240-7317
curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

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