The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced the Northern Ontario Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (NOICE) and a total FedNor investment of $4,774,515 in 10 Indigenous economic development projects across Northern Ontario. The NOICE program, funded through the Government of Canada’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative and delivered by FedNor, supports Indigenous-led clean energy projects by helping communities develop local ideas, improve planning, and build skills to implement projects. The initiative aims to create cleaner, more resilient infrastructure and open new opportunities in the region’s clean energy sector.
The NOICE projects focus on diversifying and stimulating business investment and growth while fostering collaboration on Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives. The initiative targets Indigenous communities, organizations, and Indigenous-owned businesses, supporting them in designing and executing projects that contribute to sustainable economic development.
In addition to NOICE, FedNor is investing $4,774,515 in 10 Indigenous economic development projects across Northern Ontario. These projects will create jobs, develop tourism infrastructure, and support research, design, and planning efforts. Each project is designed to foster self-directed, Indigenous-led economic growth, supporting communities and businesses in various sectors and strengthening local economies while respecting traditional territories.
These investments advance economic reconciliation by partnering with Indigenous communities to promote self-directed development. They aim to build strong relationships between Indigenous businesses, organizations, communities, and industry while ensuring that economic growth reflects the vision and leadership of Indigenous Peoples. The projects are expected to strengthen energy independence, reduce emissions, and generate sustainable economic opportunities.
FedNor investments are provided through programs such as the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) and the Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which support community economic development, business expansion, and adoption of new technologies. The Strategic Partnerships Initiative will continue providing an additional $12 million annually until March 2027 to support regional clean energy initiatives and advance economic development opportunities in Indigenous communities across Canada.
