The Minister of Northern Development says a new regional economic development program will be unveiled Thursday.
Greg Rickford is promising a revamped Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says they want to open it up to make it more accessible.
“Has a, in some respects, a wider catchment for northern Ontario businesses and communities. Especially not-for-profits, and Indigenous communities who’ve largely been underrepresented historically through NOHFC.”
Rickford says he wants to see the money spread out more evenly and fairly across the north.
He notes if that can’t be achieved the government must quickly act to understand the structural challenges that certain regions face.
Rickford notes Kiiwetinoong and his riding have been two of those impacted and says the new program will address existing shortfalls and barriers.
He says, “There will be even more opportunities for small businesses and importantly for municipalities to navigate through the crushing impacts of this (COVID).”
Rickford stresses they always strive to be faster and better without compromising the integrity and fairness of the program.
