FedNor invests over $4.5 million to support defence, AI solutions innovation, and small business growth in Nipissing-Timiskaming
Press Release
March 19, 2026 – North Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Today, Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development) and Member of Parliament for Nipissing—Timiskaming, announced a Government of Canada investment of $4,574,347 to support six strategic initiatives in Nipissing-Timiskaming. The funded projects will support Canada’s defence sector and accelerate AI adoption, innovation, job creation and business growth in North Bay and surrounding areas. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
As part of the announcement, Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION) will receive FedNor funding of more than $2.5 million to support the evolution of its Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program, kick-start its Ignite AI program and extend its Skills Development Placement Program. Once complete, these projects are expected to support close to 150 businesses, create 120 jobs and maintain 105 more.
The announcement also includes $2,070,547 for Canadore College to support phase one and two of the development of its Advanced Training Simulation Wing and to establish a new Product Development Fund to help businesses commercialize new products. Once complete, these projects are expected to advance aviation education and research, expand Northern Ontario’s defence focused simulation capacity, support business growth, innovation and product development, while creating more than 30 new jobs.
For a complete funding breakdown and project details, please see the associated backgrounder.
Quotes
“Northern Ontario grows stronger when we work as one. By supporting Canada’s defence sector and skills training, we are helping businesses scale up and become more innovative, competitive and successful. This will grow opportunities for businesses, students and skilled workers, and build tomorrow’s workforce, here at home.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
“I am pleased that this FedNor funding is helping local companies increase their productivity, commercialize new products and take their businesses to the next level. In addition to supporting Canda’s defence sector, skills training and job creation, the federal government is stepping up for Nipissing–Timiskaming by helping businesses innovate and access the resources they need to succeed. These projects with IION and Canadore College are splendid examples of exactly that!”
Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development), and Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming
“Thank you to FedNor and the Government of Canada for their ongoing support for these key programs. As a result of this funding, IION can help more businesses innovate, adopt new technologies, increase sales, create new jobs, and develop new products. Our goal is to help innovators turn their ideas and projects into reality and today’s announcement will help make that happen!”
Matthew Doherty, Executive Director, IION
“Canadore is grateful for the continued support of FedNor and the Government of Canada. The funding announced today by MP Rochefort will give us the capacity to engage in projects that meet the immediate and future needs of students, the defence sector, businesses and organizations across Northern Ontario. These priority initiatives will help fuel economic development and employment in the region by helping us expand our Advanced Training Simulation Wing and forge new and lasting strategic business alliances.”
Dr. Sandra Efu, President and CEO, Canadore College
Quick facts
The funding announced today is provided through a number of key FedNor programs including the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, Regional Defence Investment Initiative and Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI).
IION is a Regional Innovation Centre that assists innovative entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing companies develop and scale. IION works collaboratively with a variety of strategic partners throughout the province to promote client growth and help to position them for future success. IION is located at Canadore College in North Bay and proudly serves the districts of Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka.
Canadore College trains people through applied learning, leadership, and innovation. It provides access to over 80 full-time quality programs, has outstanding faculty, and offers success services to students from across Ontario, Canada, and around the world. Approximately 1,000 students graduate from Canadore each year, and they join 90,000 alumni working across the globe.