Area receives FedNor grants

News Release
Industry Canada/FedNor

THUNDER BAY, Ontario, January 11, 2009 — The Government of Canada is committed to improving the economic vitality of Northern Ontario by investing in projects that support community economic development, small business, information and communications technology (ICT), and youth.
The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a FedNor investment in support of 22 initiatives in the Thunder Bay area.
A FedNor contribution of $238,743 will help Riverside Health Care design and build a new computerized system which will facilitate the transfer of critical patient information among healthcare providers. The new system will make ordering patient tests and inputting patient data easier, and will accommodate a variety of pharmacy and laboratory functions, including drug inventory and laboratory requisitions.
Eleven new Youth Interns will gain valuable job experience through FedNor’s Youth Internship Program (YIP), helping them make the transition from the campus to the workplace. Their responsibilities will range from developing materials to program delivery to forest management planning. Host organizations receiving FedNor YIP funding of up to $27,500, are:
•Community Living Fort Frances and District
•IDEAS Software & Training Inc.
• Just Parts Online Incorporated
•Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association
•Sencia Canada Ltd. (two interns)
•Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission
• Thunder Bay Urban Aboriginal Strategy
• Town of Rainy River
• Wawang Forest Products Ltd. (two interns)
“Today’s announcement reinforces our government’s commitment to strengthening the economy of the Thunder Bay region and Northern Ontario,” said Minister Clement. “This important investment will help bolster economic development, support small business and encourage our youth to build their future here in Northern Ontario.”
As reaffirmed in November’s Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada will work with Canadians and businesses to ensure that they have the foundation they need to weather the economic challenges that lie ahead. Priorities will be to secure jobs for families and communities, expand investment and trade, ensure sound budgeting, and to make government more effective.
“On behalf of the residents of Thunder Bay, I’d like to thank Minister Clement for this investment in our community, as well as the Rainy River and Superior North regions,” said Lynn Peterson, Mayor of Thunder Bay. “FedNor’s ongoing support enables us to respond to the needs of our communities here in the Northwest, helping us to shape a brighter future.” By supporting the Thunder Bay region through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.
To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://ic.gc.ca/fednor