The provincial government has launched a new and improved Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
It has been broken up into four separate programs to help increase economic development and promote job creation in the region.
Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford says the programming has been streamlined and is open to more groups including small businesses, the agricultural sector, Indigenous communities and municipalities.
Rickford says they’ve heard about difficulties accessing funding due to the onerous application process and stresses it will now be easier and quicker to submit an application.
The Kenora-Rainy River MPP notes the government took every opportunity to engage with municipal leaders, Indigenous partners, non-profits and businesses to get the necessary feedback to modernize the program.
Rickford adds the renewed fund is all about helping northerners grow and prepare for the future as well as diversify our economy.
Here are the following new programs:
1. The Community Enhancement Program: Will facilitate upgrades and repairs to vital community assets, such as recreational facilities, community centres and broadband infrastructure that contribute to improved quality of life and support strategic economic development initiatives.
2. 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, such as conferences and festivals that elevate the profile of communities.
3. 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 that will shape our future economy.
4. The People and Talent Program: Will attract, develop, and retain a strong northern workforce by supporting a broader ranger of internships and apprenticeships and providing more opportunities for Indigenous people to gain job experience.
Rickford says the program will be easily accessible to college and university students as well as those entering the workforce
“We’re targeting our young people here. Born and raised in Northern Ontario or who came here with an idea for a business or a job and want their family and their families family to stay here in Northern Ontario.”
Applications for the revamped Northern Ontario Heritage Fund are now being accepted at https://nohfc.ca/
The announcement was made Thursday with Minister Greg Rickford and his Northern Caucus.
They were joined by Premier Doug Ford who said the following:
