Readout – Government of Canada focused on supporting Indigenous economic development in Northern Ontario
Press Release
From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
September 26, 2024
On Friday, September 20th, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, convened a roundtable with representatives from some regional Indigenous organizations, municipal stakeholders and senior officials to identify the economic development challenges and opportunities facing First Nations leaders and businesses in the region. This conversation is part of the ongoing renewal of the Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario (PGSNO), which is designed to ensure the Strategy remains responsive to the needs of Northern Ontario.
Conversations centred on how the PGSNO is working to address the unique needs facing residents in Northern Ontario, including First Nations communities. Discussions explored ways on how best to support First Nations-led economic development, including growing First Nations ownership, joint ventures, and access to business services in Northern Ontario. The meeting also served as an opportunity to learn more about regional perspectives on Indigenous economic reconciliation.
Specifically, during Friday’s conversations participants focused on the need to continue to support capacity building efforts at the community level, and the role that FedNor can play to encourage and promote cooperation between First Nations communities, municipalities, and other levels of government. Additional topics of discussion included the role and importance of transportation and access to education in Northern Ontario, in particular for rural and remote Indigenous communities, and obstacles facing First Nations communities as it relates to access to capital, entrepreneurship and succession planning.
Three additional virtual sessions focused on Indigenous economic growth and the challenges facing communities and businesses in the region will be held later this fall. Invites will be sent by FedNor in the coming weeks.
These sessions on the PGSNO form part of an ongoing effort by FedNor to engage with a variety of stakeholders from across Northern Ontario. A What We Heard Report will in issued in the coming months, and a final, refreshed Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario will be published in early 2025.
Roundtable participants included Brian Davey, Chief Executive Officer, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund, Georjann Morriseau, Policy Advisor, Strategic Initiatives, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Paul Capon, Political Advisor, Matawa Tribal Council, Tara Ingram, Economic Development Advisor, Matawa First Nations Management, Alain Joseph, Manager of Indigenous Relations, City of Thunder Bay, Kim Falcigno, Vice President, Oshki-Wenjack Oshki-Pimache-O-Win, Dawn Lambe, Economic Development Officer, Anishinabek Nation, Jeremy Bonhomme, Relationship Manager, First Nations Financial Management Board, Valerie Gideon, President of FedNor, and Nick Fabiano, Vice-President of FedNor, and FedNor staff.
Contacts
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
IBF5
