The Ontario government is providing more than $2.2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for 74 job placement opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie. This investment will help businesses expand operations and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce.
“This incredible NOHFC investment is helping local companies support over 70 internships right here in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “Creating opportunities for youth to explore new career avenues in their community is so important for our local economy. The variety of companies and organizations taking advantage of the NOHFC grants includes small businesses, not-for-profits, post-secondary institutions and manufacturers, and shows the diversity of the program.”
“With funding from the province, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has been able to embark on vital research initiatives and create invaluable internship opportunities that are a direct path for talented individuals to secure full-time employment. NOHFC support is helping us fulfill our mission and actively contribute to the betterment of our community.” said, Peter Bruijns, Executive Director, Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre.
Internship projects receiving NOHFC funding include:
$70,000 to the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre to hire a Data Analyst to assist with health, social services and early childhood development projects, and a Horticultural Research Assistant to lead activities and research to develop sustainable horticulture production systems in Northern Ontario
$70,000 for the Invasive Species Centre to hire a Program Development Intern and a Zooplankton Diagnostics and Research Intern to conduct research and analysis that identify and prevent the spread of invasive species affecting Canadian lands and waters
$26,248 for Algoma University to hire a Database Coordinator to assist with project research, manage and analyse data, and provide fundraising and administrative support“Our government is making targeted investments that create opportinuties for local talent to gain essential skills and build meaningful careers in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Together with our northern partners, we are creating highly skilled, good-paying jobs that will boost economic growth and prosperity here in the North.”
The Ontario government is supporting local internships through the NOHFC’s People and Talent Program. The program supports a wide variety of internships, including skilled trades, and addresses the unique needs of other in-demand jobs. Program candidates include new entrants into the workforce, those transitioning to a new career, the unemployed and underemployed.
“We are proud to support projects that provide on-the-job career development opportunities while addressing local skilled labour shortages in the Northeast,” said Minister Rickford.
“Algoma University is thankful for the valuable staffing support provided through the NOHFC internship program, something we have accessed for a variety of institutional needs. In the Advancement Department, the highly developed database management skills our intern brought to the team enabled us to improve the reliability and accuracy of our alumni records, helping to improve alumni and donor relations and engagement.” said, Colin Wilson, Director of Strategic Advancement, Algoma University
“The NOHFC internship program has helped Rusty Halo Productions foster talent locally in the Sault. We are expanding at Rusty Halo to create an animation hub and have hired an Indigenous youth under the intern program this year. As a growing business in Sault Ste Marie, I am thankful there are training opportunities for the arts and entertainment industry.” said, Rebeka Herron, Producer, Writer & Director, Rusty Halo Productions
The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $685 million in 5,656 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,000 jobs.
“As the President of the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, I am grateful for the two NOHFC interns who are working in the Rotary office. Their dedication and hard work greatly contribute to the overall success of the numerous community-led projects initiated by the Rotary Club to support our community. It is a win-win for all involved – especially for the residents of Sault Ste. Marie!” said, Donna Carricato, President of the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie
A list of all 74 Sault Ste. Marie NOHFC internship program funding recipients is available on the corporation’s website.
