THUNDER BAY – Tony Clement, Member of Parliament for Parry Sound–Muskoka and Minister for FedNor has announced a Government of Canada investment to create youth employment opportunities across Northern Ontario that will help address skilled labour shortages in the region and provide valuable work experience for young graduates.
“Our government is proud to help provide talented youths with meaningful employment opportunities in Northern Ontario,” said Minister Clement. “It is important to families in the region that their sons and daughters have the opportunity to seek careers locally rather than having to gravitate to large urban centres to find good jobs”.
Through its Youth Internship Initiative, FedNor will invest more than $400,000 to create 15 youth employment opportunities across the region. Since its inception, FedNor has helped more than 1300 young graduates from Northern Ontario obtain that crucial first job experience, and provided countless local organizations access to a qualified and talented workforce. The Youth Internship Initiative has also helped businesses and communities build the workforce of the future and position the region for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
“Youth out-migration is a serious issue facing our region and I am extremely pleased that the Government of Canada and FedNor are creating opportunities that will encourage local youth to build their futures in Northern Ontario,” said Mayor Paisley Donaldson, Town of Gravenhurst.
“I am very excited to start a career in my field of study right here in Northern Ontario,” said Rebecca Francis, FedNor Youth Intern, Town of Huntsville. “Having the opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job experience in the District of Muskoka is a dream come true”.
The funding announced today was provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business development and growth and facilitate innovation throughout the region.