Native Women's Association of Canada Website

FEDERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHERN ONTARIO (FEDNOR)1.0 DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:The Federal Economic Development Initiative in Northern Ontario (FedNor) is thefederal government agency responsible for promoting economic growth, diversificationand job creation throughout the region. FedNor is working in Northern Ontario toimprove small business access to capital, information, and markets, and to encouragecommunity partnerships.To improve access to capital, FedNor establishes partnerships with financial institutionsto leverage resources, providing new tools for higher-risk financing; provides additionalinvestment funds to Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs); andimplements special initiatives designed to overcome the barriers to accessing capitalfaced by Aboriginal people, youth, women and Francophones.To improve access to information, FedNor encourages upgrading Northern Ontario'stelecommunications infrastructure to enable all communities to connect to theInformation Highway; supports the efforts of communities to maximize the commercialbenefits that Information Highway connection provides; developed a web site that meetsthe information needs of Northern Ontario; and improves the informatics capacity ofCFDCs.To improve access to markets, FedNor fosters the development of competitive NorthernOntario suppliers; undertakes supplier awareness activities; encourages thedevelopment of business networks; encourages technology diffusion and innovation;and supports national and regional export trade initiatives.To encourage community partnerships, FedNor fosters a culture of continuousimprovement and self-reliance in CFDCs; supports enhanced integration andcoordination of community-based economic development efforts; promotes the federalidentity in its community partnerships; ensures equitable and effective access toprograms and services for all clients through community-based delivery mechanisms;and is developing an Economic Planning Forum for Northern Ontario.FedNor works with its partners to ensure a strong Northern Ontario voice at the nationallevel. It is also increasing its economic and policy analysis capability to will strengthenits ability to convey relevant regional interests and concerns to the federal government.1.1 Contact: Weldon Boone Tel: (705) 942-1327 Fax: (705) 942-4434E-mail: boone.weldon@ic.gc.ca Web site: http://fednor.ic.gc.caPg. 152