Annual Report

2019-2020

0

CONTENTS

Message from the Chair ...... 2

Message from the Manager ...... 2

What is Community Futures ...... 3

Our Mission ...... 3

Corporate 2019-2020 Board of Directors ...... 4

Committees ...... 5

Vision Statement ...... 6

Strategic Goals ...... 6

Community Development Services ...... 7

Business Development Services...... 9

2019-2020 Highlights ...... 12

1

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR This year we have seen first-hand the result of successful projects aimed at enhancing the regional economy as well as celebrating many clients in their start-up and expansion projects. This will be my last AGM as I have reached and surpassed my term limit. I have enjoyed my 14-year involvement as a Board member with Community Futures North Central Development. I want to thank my fellow Executive members, all Board members, Volunteers and Staff for their support, commitment and hard work.

On behalf of the Board of Directors for Community Futures North Central Development, I am pleased to provide the Annual Report for the 2019 – 2020 fiscal year. I hope that all who review can enjoy the benefits from the hard work completed by this organization.

Sincerely

Marcel Moody Chairperson

MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

Management and staff are pleased to present a summary of activities and services in this report and look forward to providing further information with the Management, Financial and Committee Reports at the Annual General Meeting.

Sincerely

Tim Johnston Manager

2

WHAT IS COMMUNITY FUTURES? Community Futures Development Corporations help people develop the knowledge, experience, and attitudes that enable them to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. There are 90 CFDC'S across Western actively working to mobilize their communities to achieve stronger, more sustainable futures. Community Futures North Central Development is one of the 16 CFDC's currently serving in , and one of 5 in the north. Our region is considered “North Central Manitoba” and includes 17 , Northern Affairs and Urban Industrial communities. Operating as a non-profit organization, core funding is received from the Government of Canada, Department of Western Economic Diversification on an annual basis.

MISSION The North Central Community Futures Development Corporation Inc. will endeavor to bring together to support, develop and promote communities, individuals, organizations, businesses and other appropriate stakeholders within the North Central region, to encourage self-reliance and viability of the social and economic quality of life.

3

CORPORATE 2019-2020 Board of Directors

Directors: Bill Dingwall Churchill Angie McIvor* Incorporated Community of Darlene Beck Incorporated Community of Cross Lake Vacant Sandra Nabess Fox Lake First Nation Jackie Clayton* Town of Gillam Jim Chornoby Ilford Vacant Nelson House Community Council Marcel Moody Nisichawayasihk Nation Glen Flett Community Council Vacant Annette Cordell Keith Burak Donald Pronteau Sr. Jeff Fountain* Thompson Les Ellsworth Thompson June Chu Vacant Louisa Constant York Landing

Alternates: Reg Meade Wabowden Brian Lundmark Thompson

*Resigned or term complete as CFNCD Board of Director

Volunteers: Gary Ceppetelli Thompson Nick DiVirgilio Thompson Penny Byer Thompson Frances McIvor Wabowden Joanne Pronteau Thicket Portage

4

CORPORATE Committees

Executive: Marcel Moody, Chairperson Glen Flett, Vice Chair June Chu, Treasurer Jackie Clayton*, Secretary Les Ellsworth, Secretary Darlene Beck, Past Chair

Business Development: Penny Byer, Chairperson Marcel Moody Glen Flett Keith Burak Joanne Pronteau Nick DiVirgilio June Chu

Community Development: Darlene Beck Gary Ceppetelli Frances McIvor

Community Futures Manitoba REP: Darlene Beck

Thompson Regional Airport Authority REP: Glen Flett

STAFF

Tim Johnston, General Manager Tamy Burton, Administrative Officer Dennis Green, Business Development Officer Charlene Kissick, Community Development Officer Laura Finlay, Community Development Officer Michelle Pruder, Community Development Officer Tammy Cober, Settlement Services Coordinator

5

VISION STATEMENT The North Central region of the future will have undergone unique changes to convert opportunities based throughout the region, including human resources, cultural diversity, and natural, environmental and historical significance into very positive and successful local production and regional use. This will have also produced a healthy, competitive and self- sufficient economy with an improved infrastructure, a common access to all current technology as well as a more balanced trade to the “South”.

On the human side, the North Central region will have increased awareness and understanding of the cultural diversity, produce an enhanced co-ordination, co-operation and communication, and a common trust among all political organizations within the region, and will have provided the regions youth with education and entrepreneurial spirit.

STRATEGIC GOALS Administration To ensure the organization (board and staff) operates in an efficient manner. Objectives:  Accountability  Financial responsibility  HR Management  Governance

Community Development To build strong economic foundations within each of the communities in the north central region. Objectives:  Strengthen labour productivity  Strengthen community capacity for long-term economic development

Business Development To enable residents and communities in the north central region to create wealth. Objectives:  Increased access to risk capital for northern residents  Improved business services to entrepreneurs and small businesses  Delivery of the repayable loan funds of WED  Delivery of the SE Program for the Province of Manitoba  Delivery of the Peer Lending Program on behalf of the BDC

6

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Vision Quest: Vision Quest Conferences Inc., held its 23rd annual Conference and Trade Show on May 14 – 16, 2019 at the RBC Convention Centre and welcomed the most registered delegates to the event in its 23-year history. The theme “From Vision to Reality” continues to reflect the thoughts formulated by the original Board of Directors.

Vision Quest Conferences Inc. is a consortium of five Manitoba Indigenous Community Futures Development Corporations: Community Futures Cedar Lake Region, Community Futures Dakota Ojibway, Community Futures Kitayan, Community Futures North Central Development and Community Futures Southeast.

Lions Manor 55: Although occupancy was originally scheduled for 2019, the board had to secure a new mortgage for 2.252 million last summer which put construction on hiatus for several months. By October of 2019, funding was secured and A&B Builders returned to the project site to continue with construction. They have now made excellent progress with an expected occupancy date of October 1, 2020. There are still several challenges ahead, including meeting the requirements of the Financial Institutions Regulations Branch (FIRB) so that units can be sold under the cooperative, and continuing to look for further funding. Despite the challenges, the board is committed to finding solutions and continues to meet on a biweekly basis.

Northern Manitoba Snowmobile Tourism Strategy: Since the project was initiated in 2017 with the Snowmobile summit, many activities have commenced. The project was funding by the WED Canadian Experiences Program in the summer of 2019 and additional funds were provided by CRED in February 2020. The following is a list of project initiatives:  SLEDMB53 Brand and logo created  Community Ambassador Program initiated  New Snoman trail construction started in Cranberry Portage to Snow Lake (80% complete, the remainder will be done in the new season)  New shelter built north of  Travel Manitoba Media Tour took place in March 2020  Website, Facebook Page and Instagram for SledMB53 are being created. Launch planned for late fall 2020  Churchill Snowmobile Package Tour planning has commenced with Heartland Travel and Tourism for initial tour to be run in February or March 2021  Friendly Snowmobile Communities and Business Program planning has commenced with MTEC. It in the early stages of development but plans are to launch the program late fall.

Settlement Services: CFNCD continued to house the Thompson Newcomer Settlement Services program in 2019/2020 with funding provided by Immigrant, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This fiscal year was year three of a three-year contract resulting in revenue to CFNCD in the amount of $57,214.00. The program assisted 109 eligible clients (64 new and 45 returning).

7

Churchill Region Economic Development Fund (CRED): CFNCD continues to play a role on the CRED management review committee, with Manager Tim Johnston serving as Chair, and assists CFM’s Katie Daman, CRED Coordinator, as needed. The CFNCD team has worked extensively with CRED applicants on their start-up, expansion and partnership planning. CFNCD has assisted with securing funding for the following projects:  NACC Market Trails Project - $101,500.00  Northern Manitoba Snowmobile Project Phase 1 - $27,000.00  Northern Manitoba Snowmobile Project Phase 2 - $69,000.00  Real Northern Experience Project Business Case - $18,200.00  Winter Weather Testing Centre of Excellence Initiative - $125,000.00

Northern Manitoba Tourism Advisory Committee: Manager Tim Johnston continues to participate on this committee on behalf of CFNCD and has attended a number of meetings throughout northern Manitoba. In February 2020, Travel Manitoba released the Northern Manitoba Tourism Strategy Progress Report highlighting the project’s achievement from 2017 to 2020.

Declaration of Northern Values (Sustainable Development of the Boreal in Northern MB): CFNCD held a contract with Ducks Unlimited Canada to coordinate the Project Management Team relating to the Declaration of Common Values for the Sustainable Development of the Boreal in Northern Manitoba again in 2019/2020. This contract provided significant revenue to the organization. The 2019/20 contract was extended from March 31, 2020 to June 30, 2020 due to COVID-19. Over the fiscal year the PMT focused mainly on marketing the declaration. Highlights over the year included:  Declaration of Northern Values plaque initiative  Event sponsorships;  Participation in several events

Real Northern Experience: CFNCD was successful with securing funds and pulling in partners to develop the Real Northern Experience Project. The project will allow small tourism businesses to market their products on-line and a single platform. Travel Manitoba and Look North are interest in working together to move forward with this exciting project. The momentum cooled slightly when the pandemic hit Manitoba, however in time the partners will get back on track to work on a plan of action for this project.

Indigenous Accord: CFNCD continues to participate in regular Indigenous Accord meetings. CFNCD submitted a review of activities for the 2020 Annual Progress Report.

Northern Manitoba Showcase: For a full weekend in February 2020, Travel Manitoba along with the northern CF’s hosted a Northern Manitoba tourism display at the Manitoba Outdoor Show in Winnipeg. The display featured communities, lodges, crafts music and foods from Northern Manitoba.

8

2020 Canadian Franchise Expo: On March 7th and 8th, CFNCD assisted the City of Thompson with promoting the community as a great place to open a new business. The two-day Expo provided Thompson the unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with prospective franchisees to showcase the amenities and service available for business development.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Loans

During this fiscal year, CFNCD approved a total of 8 loans representing $370,496.45 in new loan funds in the North Central Region, which translates to 100% of WD target for new loans at 8 and 92.62% in loan funds as our target was $400,000. Since inception CFNCD has approved $9,255,619.41 from our loan funds.

The breakdown by Community for new funds approved from April, 2019 to March 31, 2020 is as follows:

Thompson Cross Lake Nisichawayasihk Total First Nation First Nation Cree Nation Regular $275,496.45 $0.00 Fund $80,000.00 $5,000.00 $360,496.45 Disability $0.00 $10,000.00 Fund $0.00 $0.00 $10,00000 Peer $0.00 $0.00 Credit $0.00 $0.00 Total $275,496.45 $80,000.00 $10,000.00 $5,000.00 $370,496.45

The Loans Receivables as at March 31, 2020 are as follows: Regular Investment Fund $ 1,093,532 Entrepreneurs with Disability Fund $ 55,082 Peer Lending Fund $ 325 Less: Allowance for Doubtful $ (187,984) TOTAL LOANS RECEIVABLES $ 960,955

9

The following chart represents the total dollar amount invested in Communities in the North Central Region since inception in 1997:

Community Amount Churchill $ 187,066.00 Cross Lake Community Council $ 2,000.00 Cross Lake First Nation $ 317,896.70 Fox Lake First Nation $ 0.00 Gillam $ 610,391.00 Nelson House Community Council $ 0.00 Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation $ 323,032.15 Norway House Community Council $ 100,077.00 Norway House Cree Nation $ 533,709.00 Pikwitonei $ 11,630.00 Tataskweyak Cree Nation $ 292,097.00 Thicket Portage $ 65,000.00 Thompson $ 6,116,027.56 Wabowden $ 612,890.00 War Lake $ 0.00 York Factory First Nation $ 80,000.00 York Landing $ 3,803.00 Ilford $ 0.00 $9,255,619.41 TOTAL

As at March 31, 2020 CFNCD had one outstanding loan with CF Investment Funds for a totaling owing of $176,407.

CFNCD worked with clients to leverage funds from other sources. Total dollars leverage value: $700,000.00 from other lending sources along with $111,595.00 in client equity.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Programs

Peer Credit Program: The Peer Credit Program is the result of the partnership between CFNCD and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). This loan fund is designed for artists and crafters to buy their supplies in bulk.

10

CFNCD continues to promote the program during travel into our communities. To date, there have been 74 loans approved in the Peer Credit Loan fund. Peer Credit will revolve according to loan completion dates. CFNCD would like to see it increase in up-take into the Peer Credit Program. I would ask members of the board to promote to any youth/church/elder groups who may want to access funds, please have them contact Dennis Green.

Self Employment Program: Community Futures North Central Development, developed a partnership with Industry, Training and Employment Services (formerly called Manitoba Entrepreneurship Training and Trade, METT) in 2003 to deliver the Self Employment (SE) Program. This program is designed to assist unemployed Manitobans in the northern region create jobs for themselves through entrepreneurship. Dennis Green has taken over the delivery of the SE program.

The current SE Program Contract commenced January 1, 2020 and will expire on December 31, 2020 with a target goal of 3 high needs clients and 6 clients who only need an Orientation. Currently one high needs client has completed the program and about to launch his business and one high needs client has been approved by Training and Employment Services and has come on board. One new Self Employment client has recently registered and will be joining the Program soon. Two clients have been through the Orientation. CFNCD continues to advertise in various community radio stations, in the Thompson newspaper and on social media. I would like to thank Dennis Green for the work he does with the SE Program.

COVID-19 Loan Policy: The Business Development Committee (BDC) met on March 20, 2020 and reviewed a proposed CFNCD COVID-19 Loan Policy prepared by Administration. The BDC passed a Resolution for the consideration of the Board of Directors at the upcoming Board of Directors meeting to be held on March 24, 2020. In response to COVID-19, the CFNCD Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Business Development Committee and the Executive Committee, approved the implementation of the CFNCDCOVID-19 Loan Policy on March 24, 2020.

Subsequent to the approved CFNCD COVID-19 Loan Policy, WD also provided financial assistance programs for small businesses. One of these programs is the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) and the other Program is the NACCA Indigenous Business Stabilization Program (NACCA- IBSP). National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association also provided funding for the Indigenous Business Stabilization Program (NACCA-IBSP). All relief programs are in effect, but no applications prior to March 31, 2020 were received.

11

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Small Business Expo

Each year for the past 11 years, Community Futures North Central Development has sponsored an event that gives artists, crafters and home-based small businesses a venue to sell their creations and products.

This event, held on the first Saturday of November, is free of charge to artists, crafters and small business owners who see this as a great opportunity to proudly display their products, as virtually all of them are home based and seldom have such exposure.

This Expo in particular, has become very popular with vendors who come from as far away as and The Pas. Last year it is estimated that over a 1000 people came to the TRCC Gym to shop and browse at each of the 63 tables. Admission is also free.

A survey completed by the vendors indicated a very positive rating with a 96% rating for the overall organization of the Expo.

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Governance Workshop

It was great to see so many individuals and organizations invest their time with the governance training held over two days in September. There was a lot of great discussion from several passionate volunteers and dedicated staff. Sincere thanks to our facilitator Jason Denbow from Community Futures Manitoba and the Community Futures Board Leadership Institute for sharing his vast knowledge on the non-profit sector.

12

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS TRAA Infrastructure Announcement

Infrastructure Canada committed to providing the Thompson Regional Airport Authority with $28 Million towards the development of a new airport terminal.

Speakers included MP Dan Vandale (on behalf of Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities), Vince Shumka (Chair, TRAA Board of Directors), Ron Spence (Councillor, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation), Hilda Anderson-Pyrz (on behalf of MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee), George Neepin (Chief Executive Officer, KTC), and Curtis Ross (President/CEO, Thompson Regional Airport Authority). The announcement was followed by a ground-breaking ceremony on the new terminal access road after the land was blessed by Elder Jack Robinson. CFNCD was represented by Board Member and TRAA representative Glen Flett (Norway House), and several staff members including event Emcee, Tim Johnston.

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS WED Program Funding Announcement

Dan Vandal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface – Saint Vital, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced funding of up to $862,000 for four projects to enhance Manitoba's tourism opportunities as well as the vitality of the province's Francophone communities.

Of that funding, Community Futures North Central Development received $150,000 to continue to develop the Northern Manitoba Snowmobile Tourism Project

13

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Provincial Community Futures Conference

Long-time CFNCD board member, volunteer and friend Frances McIvor was honoured at the Provincial Community Futures conference with the Award for Community Futures Volunteerism. Frances’ acceptance speech had many of us teary-eyed and the entire room on their feet. So well deserved, the North is lucky to have you.

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Vision Quest 2019

Vision Quest celebrated its 23rd Conference & Tradeshow by bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, business leaders and youth to discuss and promote Indigenous business, community and economic development.

Over the three-day event from May 14th to 16th, Vision Quest welcomed many inspiring work-shop facilitators and speakers, including keynote speakers Jordin Tootoo and Lorne Cardinal.

14

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Vision Quest 2020 Honourary Chair – Darlene Beck

CFNCD was pleased to share the exciting news that our very own Board Member Darlene Beck was to be this year’s Honourary Chair at Vision Quest 2020.

Darlene has been involved with CF North Central Development before it even opened its doors (that is more than 23 years ago!) Darlene is an active Board Member and incredibly supportive of her CFNCD Team. She loves the North, and it loves her. Congratulations!

Vision Quest 2020, was to be held in May. However, as the situation with COVID-19 world pandemic continued to evolve each day, the priority of the Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show Board during these challenging times, was to maintain the health of all. As such, Vision Quest 2020 was cancelled, and the 24th annual conference is being planned for 2021.

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Northern Values Tim Johnston provided an update on Northern Values at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on April 25th. The Thompson Chamber is a signatory of Northern Values, and Chamber President Raj Thethy was presented with a Northern Values plaque.

Northern Values was also promoted and proudly displayed at Vision Quest in May and the NACC Annual General Assembly in August 2019.

15

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Northern Urban Reserve Municipality & Economic Development Forum

On April 7th, 2019 Grand Chief Garrison Settee presented Tim Johnston, Manager of Community Futures North Central Development, with the sacred symbols of respect and honour for his work on advancing First Nations rights and for establishment of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation urban reserve (Pictured right).

Pictured below, Chief Moody, Chief Genaille and Tim Johnston - Panel and Presentation members at the Northern Urban Reserve, Municipality & Economic Development Forum.

16

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Northern Manitoba Snowmobile Project

As a result of WD funding, the Northern Manitoba snowmobile project was able to commence the construction of a new Snoman designated trail that will link Cranberry Portage to Snow Lake. Construction commenced late February 2020. This link was crucial as it will open a full circuit of travel from the south to northern Manitoba all the way to Gillam.

In addition to the new infrastructure, the project trademarked its own brand, “SLEDMB53” for future marketing of snowmobiling in the north and further funding was provided through CRED for product development and special events.

17

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Franchise Expo

On March 7th and 8th, 2020, CFNCD assisted the City of Thompson with promoting the community as a great place to relocate to start a new business. This was a fantastic opportunity for Thompson to meet prospective franchise owners and learn more about the franchise opportunities available. The Franchise Expo took place in Winnipeg at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Northern Association of Community Councils AGA

CFNCD participated at the 49th NACC Annual General Assembly in Winnipeg, August 2019. Manager Tim Johnston provided a presentation on Northern Values and CFNCD promoted its programs during the tradeshow.

18

2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS Northern Manitoba Showcase

For a full weekend in February 2020, Travel Manitoba along with the northern CF’s hosted a Northern Manitoba tourism display at the Manitoba Outdoor Show in Winnipeg. The 1500 ft2 display featured communities, lodges, crafts music and foods – all from Northern Manitoba! During the showcase, a media event was held by Travel Manitoba to provide a progress report on the Northern Manitoba Strategic Tourism Plan from 2017 – 2020.

19