Economic Development in Northern Ontario

Employment in Northern Ontario - 2003   372,700
                                                2011   360,900  
                                                            11,800 Less jobs in Northern Ontario

Source - MNDM - Northern Ontario - A Profile


NOHFC Mandate under MNDM

Established June 1, 1988, The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is a crown corporation and development agency of the Ontario government that invests in northern businesses and municipalities through conditional contributions, forgivable performance loans, incentive term loans and loan guarantees. 

Between 2003 and 2010 the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation claims to have created (or maintained) 13,300 jobs at a cost of $523M or almost $40,000 per job.

That amount does not include annual administration costs which were $5.2M in 2010 (up $1M from 2009) nor the pension cost for the administrative employees which is recorded separately. NOHFC Annual Report 2009-2010

Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation 
Budget of $983.9M for 2012 and their mandate, although Ontario wide, is 

The Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment supports a strong, innovative economy that can provide jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all Ontarians.

The ministry delivers a range of programs, services and tools to help businesses innovate and compete in today’s fast-changing global economy, including business support and youth entrepreneurship programs, strategic investments and international trade and export expertise.

Through the government’s Open for Business initiative, the ministry helps make investing in Ontario more attractive for businesses, while protecting the public interest.

Through the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, the ministry works with the disability, private and public sectors in the interest of promoting accessibility for all.

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
Budget of $768.6M for 2012 

Northern Development

By providing a northern perspective, the Northern Development Division helps northerners build stronger, more prosperous economies and sustainable communities while addressing the unique regional circumstances of our vast, resource-rich land.

• We deliver Ontario government programs, services and information across the North.
• We promote economic growth, infrastructure enhancements and investment in Northern Ontario. We also market the North on the global stage to attract investment dollars and open new export opportunities for northern businesses.
• We ensure that government policies and programs reflect a northern perspective by gathering input from northern citizens and providing a voice for them in government decision-making.

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Budget of $1,200M for 2012
This ministry works closely with the tourism sector to help stimulate economic growth and investment and create an environment that allows Ontario to compete successfully in the rapidly changing world of travel and leisure. Among our activities to strengthen Ontario as an internationally-recognized tourist destination:

• We undertake vital market research in the areas of marketing, product development, and investment to aid business decisions by both governments and industry.
• We encourage private sector investment and new product development to expand Ontario's tourism sector and promote regional tourism economic development.
• We support and facilitate the development of new experiences and destinations.
• We market Ontario as a tourist destination.
• We invest in Ontario's tourism agencies.
• We work with industry and organizations to support the maintenance and growth of the tourism's economic contribution.

The budget amounts listed above are not totally devoted to "Economic Development" but they are all expenditures of the Provincial Government.  There is more money spent on economic development by the federal and municipal governments also.  

Now I understand that it takes money to make money, but I would really like to see an independent review and analysis of all the government money spent on "Economic Development" and what the return on investment is.  Or better yet, why not take a portion of this money and invest it in something that will return hundreds of jobs and create new industry in the North...the New Deal.