Economic Development Initiative (EDI)

EDI, a Government of Canada initiative, is part of the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality Action Plan, announced in June 2008. The Roadmap aims to strengthen linguistic duality, reinforce Canada’s national identity and provide economic benefits for all Canadians.

In Northern Ontario, FedNor invested $4.5 million, through the Economic Development Initiative, to support business and economic development activities that encourage sustainable growth in Northern Ontario's Francophone communities (the official language minority community).

Projects selected for funding focused on two priority areas:

• Community Strategic Planning activities that enhance the economic base and competitiveness of Francophone communities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and
• Business and Economic Development activities that respond to the needs and foster economic growth of Francophone communities in sectors such as Francophone tourism, culture, knowledge-based and manufacturing industries.

To find out more about the projects funded through the EDI and how they are benefiting Northern Ontario communities, see our announcement page.

Evaluation of the FedNor Economic Development Initiative (EDI)