Province invests in Kawartha Lakes group’s digital training program for First Nations – ThePeterboroughExaminer.com

Press Release

March 19, 2021

The province is helping the Kawartha Lakes diversify economies, retain skilled workers and create jobs by investing $31,850 to support rural digital skills training through the Pinnguaq Association in Kawartha Lakes.

“We are delighted to have been given the support of the Impact Rural Economic Development program in furthering our mission to enable and promote technology opportunities in rural, remote and Indigenous communities,” stated Pinnguaq Association CEO Ryan Oliver. “We are excited to be working in partnership with Curve Lake First Nation and the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce to co-develop and provide opportunities to small businesses and entrepreneurs in both areas. We see the future of the economy tied hand-in-hand with technology, and the support of the Government of Ontario is vital in ensuring equity of digital access. We are delighted to be enable to play a role in that success.”

The Lindsay-based group is one of 16 projects approved through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program providing nearly $800,000 in funding to support rural communities. The funding will support the Pinnguaq Association develop and deliver a series of free skills training workshops targeting rural business and entrepreneurs in Kawartha Lakes and First Nations.

“We are continuing to support local business owners and entrepreneurs as they adapt to the challenges COVID-19 has presented,” added Haliburton- Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott. “This additional funding will help provide digital skills training to business owners and support economic growth in Kawartha Lakes.”

The new targeted funding is just one of the many ways the government is supporting job creation and economic development across the province. These investments are particularly important as the province lays the foundation for recovery from COVID-19.

Intake was directed at upper-tier municipalities and not-for-profit regional organizations with a mandate focused on regional economic development via projects that remove barriers to business and job growth, attract investment, attract or retain a skilled workforce, strengthen sector and regional partnerships and diversify regional economies. Qualifying projects would be eligible for up to 70 per cent of total costs to a maximum of $75,000 in provincial funding.

Supporting renewal, growth and economic recovery in rural and Indigenous communities is part of the government’s plan to get every region of Ontario back on track, creating jobs, opportunities and prosperity for everyone.

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