Increasing Job Creation in the North
Renewed Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will increase economic development and build stronger communities in the North
To further help increase economic development and promote job creation in the North, our PC government is launching a new and improved Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) programs.
“Our government took every opportunity to engage with northern municipal leaders, Indigenous partners, non-profits and businesses to seek feedback on how we can modernize NOHFC programs and better respond to the unique needs of the North,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River and Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “Our new programming will streamline the application process and help build strong and resilient local economies by making targeted investments in northern businesses, community organizations and municipalities – bringing good jobs and prosperity to every corner of Northern Ontario.”
The four new programs will target existing and emerging markets, support more projects in small rural communities, address the skilled labour shortage and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply:
- The Community Enhancement Program will facilitate upgrades and repairs to vital community assets that contribute to improved quality of life and support strategic economic development initiatives;
- The Cultural Supports Program will promote and showcase Northern Ontario’s culture, geography, and talent through the production of films and television series and by supporting events;
- The Invest North Program will boost economic growth and attract more investment to the North by supporting business development and expansion, as well as research and commercialization of new technologies; and,
- The People and Talent Program will attract, develop, and retain a strong northern workforce by supporting a broader range of internships and apprenticeships and providing more opportunities for Indigenous people to gain job experience.
As we work together to recover as a province from the effects of COVID-19, new and improved supports for infrastructure, culture, economic development and training will ensure that our North thrives and emerges stronger than ever before.
Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $262 million in 2,549 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.1 billion in investment and creating or sustaining 4,771 jobs.