Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety, today (March 13) announced a FedNor investment of $386,174 to support Collège Boréal and the important work they are doing to strengthen the agri-food industry in Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Collège Boréal aims to promote sustainable growth in the agri-food industry by expanding food security in the region. FedNor funds will help the college support new and emerging agri-food businesses and organizations by providing access to technical and specialized services and research and development, which will help generate business expansion and enhance productivity.
This investment is anticipated to maintain two skilled positions while also enabling Collège Boréal to hire an agriculture technician. Additional anticipated benefits include the creation and modernization of two agri-food business incubators; the maintenance of 14 strategic alliances including colleges, agri-food associations, one provincial ministry, and an economic development organization.
Quotes
When we invest in local food production, we invest in the strength of our Northern communities. This support for Collège Boréal means more opportunities for small-scale producers and farmers to innovate and grow, while ensuring Northern Ontario families have access to fresh, locally-grown food. By working directly with communities to understand their unique needs, we're building a more resilient and sustainable food system that works for everyone. Together with partners like Collège Boréal, we're creating good jobs and strengthening food security across our region.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
We are proud to support Collège Boréal because their work has helped and will continue to help grow Northern Ontario. These funds will enhance food security by supporting farmers, producers, and entrepreneurs and keep the agri-food sector on the leading edge of innovation. We know food security is top of mind, and this FedNor investment of $386,174 will ensure that the agri-food industry in our region remains strong and continues to grow.
Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety
We understand that food insecurity is a significant challenge and is exacerbated by the impacts of climate change in Northern Ontario. That's why Collège Boréal is partnering with FedNor to support the region by working with communities, organizations, and businesses to learn about their food security goals and needs. Together, we're working to meet this challenge through joint action that builds on our shared efforts in food sovereignty.
Daniel Giroux, President of Collège Boréal
Quick facts
- The investments announced today are provided through FedNor's Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
- Northern Ontario's agri-food sector is a high-potential sector, generating more than $200 million in revenue annually and supporting more than 4,000 jobs.
- Collège Boréal was established in Sudbury in 1995 and today operates 36 sites including 7 campuses in 27 communities across Ontario.
- The school offers 70 post-secondary education and apprenticeship programs, including over 30 unique French-language programs in Ontario, as well as a range of other services, including continuing education, corporate training, employment services, academic upgrading, literacy and basic skills training, language training services and settlement services for newcomers.
