Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, expresses worry over the inclusion of the District of Muskoka in the eligibility for funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). While acknowledging the additional $30 million in funding for the NOHFC, Mantha argues that this expansion could disadvantage smaller communities in his region by increasing competition for limited resources. The Ontario government, however, emphasizes that this decision aims to support economic development across Northern Ontario and aligns with its “Building a Better Ontario” plan.
Michael Mantha, the MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, has expressed concern over the Ontario government's decision to extend the eligibility for funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation ( NOHFC ) to the District of Muskoka . While welcoming the additional $30 million in funding allocated to the NOHFC over the next three years, Mantha argues that expanding eligibility to a region geographically close to Toronto could disadvantage smaller communities in Algoma-Manitoulin.
He believes that resources intended for Northern Ontario should remain within the region, as communities in the North desperately need investment to grow and attract new opportunities. Mantha fears that expanding access to a limited pool of resources could result in deserving projects in the North being overlooked. The Ontario government, however, maintains that this expansion will support continued economic development in the North and contribute to the goals outlined in its “Building a Better Ontario” plan. Minister of Northern Development, Greg Rickford, emphasizes that the government is listening to its northern partners and that this investment demonstrates their commitment to building strong and prosperous northern communities and businesses. Rickford highlights the NOHFC's role in advancing local priorities, such as skilled training opportunities and major community infrastructure projects, and expresses optimism for continued partnerships that lead to a better quality of life in the North. The NOHFC promotes economic growth, job creation, and workforce development across Northern Ontario, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. The $30 million funding increase will bring the NOHFC's annual budget to $110 million beginning in 2025-26, enabling the corporation to support additional projects and address inflation's impact. Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka, welcomes Muskoka's inclusion in the NOHFC service area, viewing it as a significant moment that unifies the region in terms of economic development funding and opportunities. Smith believes that this expansion, coupled with increased funding for the entire NOHFC area, will lead to positive outcomes for Parry Sound–Muskoka and Northern Ontario
NORTHERN ONTARIO NOHFC FUNDING MUSKOKA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MICHAEL MANTHA GREG RICKFORD GRAYDON SMITH
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Northern Ontario's Homelessness Crisis Worsening at Four Times the Rate of Southern OntarioA new report, Municipalities Under Pressure, reveals that homelessness in Northern Ontario is growing at an alarming rate, four times faster than in Southern Ontario. The report calls for $11 billion in new funding to end chronic homelessness by 2035, highlighting the urgent need for increased support and resources in the region.
Read more »
Ontario Invests in Program Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in Northern OntarioThe Ontario government is investing $1.24 million over three years to support the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise’s PAROBiz program, which helps low-income women start and grow their own businesses in Thunder Bay and other communities across Northern, Eastern and Central Ontario. The program offers training in skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology and general employment readiness, aiming to address skill shortages and empower women.
Read more »
Ontario Prepares for Tariffs, Craft Breweries Shine, and More News from Northern OntarioThis news article covers a range of stories from Northern Ontario, including the provincial government's stance on potential tariffs, the Ontario Brewing Awards, a tragic discovery, upcoming country concerts, and a wave of extreme cold.
Read more »
Ontario MPP Michael Ford Won't Seek Re-electionOntario MPP Michael Ford, nephew of Premier Doug Ford, announced on Friday that he will not run for re-election in the upcoming provincial election expected in February. Ford cited a desire to 'take on a new chapter in my life' after serving as Ontario's minister of citizenship and multiculturalism and MPP for York South-Weston.
Read more »
Hamilton MPP Sarah Jama to run as Independent after Ontario NDP blocks her from seeking nominationMPP Sarah Jama will run independently in the upcoming provincial election.
Read more »
New report shows alarming rates of chronic homelessness in northern OntarioThe report released Thursday by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario says $11 billion in funding needs to be injected into the system over the next 10 years to eliminate chronic homelessness in the province
Read more »