Canada: Deputy Prime Minister Highlights Support through Jobs and Growth Fund for Atlantic Canada

Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, was in Fredericton to highlight how Atlantic Canada will benefit from the Government of Canada’s Jobs and Growth Fund. Announced on July 13th, 2021, the $700-million Jobs and Growth Fund aims to help businesses recover and grow, enhance competitiveness, support the green transformation of our economy, foster an inclusive recovery and create jobs in every corner of the country.

This funding was first announced in Budget 2021 and will be delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs).

The COVID-19 recession is the steepest and fastest economic contraction since the Great Depression and it has affected communities from coast to coast to coast. This initiative provides a regional response by investing in projects that will help to create jobs, over the next three years and beyond. By investing in job creators, the fund will help them to build resiliency and prepare for growth by adopting clean technology, increasing diversity, implementing new digital technologies, and strengthening capacity in critical sectors.

ACOA is now accepting applications

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has $70 million in funding to support eligible Atlantic Canada businesses and support organizations including not-for-profit organizations, community economic development partners, and Indigenous organizations and businesses, with projects that:

– support the transition to a green economy
– build an inclusive economy
– preserve Canada’s competitiveness and future-proof businesses through digital adoption
– strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth

Applications will be accepted on a continuous intake basis until the funding is fully allocated. For more information or to apply, please visit ACOA’s website and the Jobs and Growth Fund application guide.