NORTH BAY—The federal government is providing funding toward the ongoing operations of Blue Sky Net (BSN) for a three-year period, enabling the organization to continue facilitating a variety of information and communications technology (ICT) activities in the Nipissing-Timiskaming, Sudbury East, Manitoulin and Parry Sound East regions.
“The funding we are receiving is for operational funding, as our role as a facilitator,” said Susan Church, executive director of BSN. “Since 2002 FedNor has reinvested funding for three-year agreements as they have done this year as well.”
Anthony Rota, member of parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, announced on January 23 the federal investments totaling $1,110,810 for two projects, one for BSN and one for the City of North Bay. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourabale Patty Hajdu, minister of Indigenous services and minister responsible for FedNor.
Along with Blue Sky Net, the remaining $76,760 is helping the City of North Bay develop and implement a workforce attraction and retention strategy designed to support North Bay employers.
“I’m thrilled that families, businesses and communities across the region will benefit from the Government of Canada investment in Blue Sky Net and the City of North Bay,” said MPP Rota. “This FedNor funding will help northeastern Ontario harness the power of technology and innovation to support business and economic growth, create jobs and attract and retain skilled workers. Today’s announcement will help businesses enhance their productivity and competitiveness, leading to more good-paying jobs that support local families and strengthen our regional economy.”
Ms. Church said, “This strong support from FedNor and the government of Canada demonstrates confidence in the work we do to spur innovation, support skills training and help businesses adopt new technologies and processes. The funding announced today will help us improve connectivity and access to technology for businesses and residential consumers by expanding infrastructure, increasing knowledge, developing applications and investing in businesses.”
“Broadband, technology and a skilled workforce are the foundation of a strong economy,” said Minister Hajdu. “This $1. 1 million investment will help Northeastern Ontario achieve success on all these fronts by connecting more businesses and communities, advancing technology adoption and attracting talented workers to fill employment gaps.”
