The Yves Landry Foundation, funded through the Government of Canada, was established to advance technological education and skills training. Manufacturers who have been continuously in business for at least three years in Northern Ontario may be eligible for Yves’ AIME North Initiative. The program was first released after a $2 million investment through FedNor in early 2012. To be eligible for the program, manufacturers must have between 10-500 employees and have a manufacturing facility located in Northern Ontario.
Swift Canoe Inc. a manufacturer in South River, Ontario of top quality canoes and kayaks recently received funding of $32,000 through AIME North. The funding will help train their employees on their new manufacturing system and fusion technology. The training will help the company improve the quality of production and allow operations to become more efficient. Of note is that AIME North funding will allow Swift to create ten new jobs over the next four years, increasing their workforce by nearly 50%.
A statement by the President of Swift Canoe, Bill Swift Jr., stated “Our motto is Proudly Made in Canada; this funding will help us remain competitive.”
