Canada backs Indigenous biomass in Northern Ontario

The Government of Canada is investing nearly CAD 4.8 million (approximately €3.3 million) in Indigenous-led economic development and clean energy projects across Northern Ontario, with a strong emphasis on community-based biomass and renewable energy initiatives.
The funding was announced by Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor), alongside the launch of the Northern Ontario Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (NOICE).
The programme is designed to help Indigenous communities establish, optimise and expand locally led clean energy projects, including biomass, as part of a broader push towards energy independence and emissions reduction.
Delivered by FedNor and funded through the federal Strategic Partnerships Initiative, NOICE supports early-stage planning, technical development and capacity-building for Indigenous clean energy projects.
Biomass, alongside other renewable technologies, is seen as a key opportunity for Northern Ontario communities, offering low-carbon heat and power solutions that align with local forestry resources and stewardship traditions.
In total, 10 Indigenous economic development projects across the region will receive funding under the announcement.
These initiatives span clean energy planning, tourism infrastructure, and research and design work, and are expected to create jobs while strengthening long-term community resilience.
“These investments are about economic reconciliation and recognising that Indigenous leadership is central to building sustainable regional economies,” Hajdu said. “Indigenous-led clean energy projects, including biomass, create good jobs, strengthen energy security and support a more resilient Northern Ontario.”
The initiative specifically targets Indigenous communities, organisations and Indigenous-owned businesses, with a focus on collaboration and self-directed development.
According to the government, the projects will help unlock shovel-ready clean energy schemes while improving local skills and governance capacity.
Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, said Indigenous communities are “driving clean energy innovation across Northern Ontario”, adding that federal support is helping advance projects that lower emissions while supporting economic growth.
The investments form part of FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Programme and Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund, which support community-led economic diversification.
Nationally, the Strategic Partnerships Initiative has access to an additional CAD 12 million per year until March 2027 to support Indigenous clean energy projects across Canada.