Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced a FedNor investment of $149,364 to support three local organizations in creating paid youth internship positions. The initiative aims to help recent graduates gain on-the-job experience and pursue their career paths in Greater Sudbury. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
The Metro Centre Management Board Downtown Sudbury will receive $57,500 to hire a youth intern for 18 months. The intern will be responsible for developing and coordinating events, conducting research, and supporting marketing, communication, and project management activities. These efforts are expected to attract investment, increase foot traffic for downtown businesses, boost attendance at local events, and encourage visitors to stay longer and return more frequently.
The Afro Women and Youth Foundation will receive $50,112 to hire a Bilingual Program Support Intern for 18 months. The intern will manage bilingual community outreach, create content, oversee social media platforms, and recruit volunteers. They will also provide French-language services for year-round programs and workshops, promoting inclusion and participation from the Francophone community.
Contact interculturel francophone de Sudbury will receive $41,752 to hire a youth intern for 18 months. This position is focused on promoting inclusion and diversity within the organization, enhancing technological and digital capacity, reviewing existing programs, and proposing new initiatives to better serve the Francophone Racial and Ethnocultural Minority community in Greater Sudbury.
The investment builds on proven results, with 63% of past interns staying with their host employer, 83% moving into jobs related to their internships, and 91% planning to continue working in Northern Ontario. The funding supports the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which helps young Canadians gain work experience, training, and skills development, ultimately contributing to a strong and inclusive Canadian economy.
Minister Patty Hajdu highlighted that investing in youth is an investment in the long-term strength of Northern Ontario communities, ensuring young people gain valuable experience and help grow the local economy. MP Viviane Lapointe emphasized that these internships provide equitable opportunities for youth to develop skills and participate actively in the economy. Jeff MacIntyre, Executive Director of Downtown Sudbury, noted that the intern will help position downtown as a premier destination for events and cultural activities. Adebola Adefioye, Chair of the Afro Women and Youth Foundation, stated that the intern will enhance outreach and services for Black immigrant women and youth, supporting their economic integration. Gouled Hassan, President of Contact interculturel francophone de Sudbury, explained that the intern will advance key priorities, promote inclusion, and better serve the Francophone Racial and Ethnocultural Minority community.
