Estimates Briefing Book 2017-18

Part One: 2017-18 Published Plan

Ministry Overview

Mandate

As the lead ministry for the North, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines works to make Northern Ontario and the provincial minerals sector strong, healthy and prosperous.

Ministry Contribution to Priority Outcomes

As the regional ministry for Northern Ontario and the ministry responsible for the provincial minerals sector, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) strives to make Northern Ontario and the provincial minerals sector strong, healthy and prosperous. By providing a northern perspective, the Ministry supports provincial initiatives in the North and addresses unique regional circumstances.

The Ministry leads and coordinates government programs aimed at growing the Northern Ontario economy, building strong northern communities and creating sustainable job opportunities in the North. Through a network of offices and strategic program and policy development, the Ministry ensures northerners have access to government programs and services and a voice in government decisions affecting the North. The Ministry is also leading a coordinated and collaborative approach to the ongoing implementation of the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011 (Growth Plan), a long-term strategy to support sustainable economic and population growth in the North.

Chaired by the Minister of Northern Development and Mines, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) provides funding programs designed to encourage partnerships with northerners to create jobs and strengthen the northern economy by:

• Supporting northern economic infrastructure development;
• Enhancing economic development capacity;
• Stimulating commercialization, innovation and productivity;
• Encouraging new business development and expansion; and,
• Attracting and retaining talent.

The Ministry invests in the North’s transportation and public infrastructure through the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) and the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC). Transformation of the ONTC is currently underway with a focus on long-term sustainability of its transportation services and infrastructure. MNDM also provides strategic planning for northern infrastructure, working with other ministries, municipalities and Aboriginal communities to expand and maintain the northern provincial highways system, roads in unincorporated areas, resource access roads and winter roads.

As the sectoral ministry for the provincial minerals sector, the Ministry helps build a strong, safe and sustainable Ontario by promoting mineral sector exploration and investment guided by Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy.

The Ministry serves as the provincial authority in the delivery of baseline geoscience information for all regions of the province; encourages and facilitates Aboriginal participation in Ontario’s economy; administers Ontario’s Mining Act and diamond royalty; and ensures safe, environmentally sound mineral development and rehabilitation of mining lands.

MNDM’s Ring of Fire Secretariat works and consults with Indigenous peoples, northerners and the mining industry to encourage responsible and sustainable economic development in the Ring of Fire region. Located 540 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay, the Ring of Fire is one of the most significant mineral regions in the province. The area has mineral potential known to be worth in excess of $60 billion and includes the largest deposit of chromite – a key ingredient of stainless steel – ever discovered in North America. The Ring of Fire also holds the potential for significant production of nickel, copper and platinum.

Ministry Outcomes

The Ministry’s priority outcomes are:

• The northern economy and the provincial mineral sector are diversified, sustainable, and globally competitive;
• Economically sustainable northern communities contribute to regional prosperity;
• Communities and economic sectors in Northern Ontario have access to transportation infrastructure and services that support economic growth;
• Aboriginal communities are a vibrant part of the provincial economy and mineral sector, and are partners in the creation of a sustainable future for Ontario;
• Ontario’s mineral resources are managed in an environmentally responsible manner that facilitates a sustainable mining sector;
• People and communities in Ontario benefit from the informed use of Ontario’s land and Earth resources; and
• Ring of Fire First Nations are active participants with Ontario, and each other, with the skills/knowledge capacity to advance socio-economic priorities.

Progress on Achieving Outcomes

Priority Outcome: Transportation Infrastructure

Communities and economic sectors in Northern Ontario have access to transportation infrastructure and services that support economic growth.

Investing in the expansion and overall rehabilitation of Northern Ontario’s transportation infrastructure is a cornerstone of the Growth Plan. In support of this commitment, the Ministry and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) cooperate in the planning and delivery of the Northern Highways Program and track the condition of highways and bridges. Over the past five years the targets for highways in good condition have been met or exceeded. There has been steady improvement in meeting the targets for the conditions of bridges (see Figures 1 and 2).

Priority Outcome: Diversification, Sustainability and Competitiveness

The northern economy and the provincial mineral sector are diversified, sustainable, and globally competitive.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

Ministry support through the programs of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for business expansion and new business investment in 2015-16 is expected to achieve similar outcomes as achieved historically in the numbers of jobs created and the amount of investment leveraged (see Figure 3).

Priority Outcome: Provincial Mineral Development

Ontario’s mineral resources are managed in an environmentally responsible manner that facilitates a sustainable mining sector;

Mineral sector investment and marketing initiatives track their success through Natural Resources Canada reports on Canadian exploration activity and new investment in exploration and mining. A newly developed measure tracks the percentage of Canadian exploration activity occurring in Ontario (see figure 4).

Ministry Programs and Activities

The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines carries out its mandate under three activities: Ministry Administration, Northern Economic Development, and Mines and Minerals.

Ministry Administration

Ministry Administration provides executive direction and strategic business and resource planning services to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of ministry programs. It supports ministry operations through advice and services in the areas of human resources, business planning, accounting and administration, and professional support services such as legal and audit services. It provides core strategic support in the areas of corporate policy and communications.

Northern Economic Development

The Ministry leads and coordinates government programs aimed at modernizing infrastructure and transportation networks, driving economic growth, and supporting a dynamic business climate in Northern Ontario.

Under the banner of Northern Economic Development, the Ministry delivers the following six programs:

1. Northern and Regional Policy Interests
2. Northern Transportation Networks
3. Business Development and Support
4. ONTC Commercial Services
5. Industrial Energy Support
6. Community Support.

Program Descriptions

Northern and Regional Policy Interests

The Northern and Regional Policy Interests program undertakes research and collects and analyzes regional information to support the development and implementation of strategic policies and programs; this analysis supports Northern Ontario’s economy, ultimately strengthening and diversifying Northern Ontario’s communities and businesses.

Northern Transportation Networks

The Northern Transportation Networks program plans and delivers an efficient core transportation network to provide northerners with modes of transportation infrastructure that support economic development.

The Ministry supports strategic investments in infrastructure through programs such as the Northern Highways Program, Local Roads Boards, Winter Roads, the OSTC, and the Ontario Northland Polar Bear Express service. The Ministry continues to work with partner ministries to increase public and private investment in the North’s transportation infrastructure, and secure partnerships with other stakeholders.

Business Development and Support

The Business Development and Support program promotes and delivers programs, services and funding to assist business start-ups, expansions, inward investment, trade, and innovation efforts. A network of six integrated area teams (Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, North Bay and Kenora), with offices in 25 communities across the North, serve as the focal point for private sector clients and northern stakeholders for the delivery of programs and services in the existing and emerging priority economic sectors identified in the Growth Plan.

In addition, the Ministry promotes Northern Ontario by assisting local companies to grow and expand their business globally through collaborative international marketing, sales support services and lead generation.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) also provides investments in Business Development and Support projects across the North (see Agencies section for more information).

ONTC Commercial Services

The ONTC Commercial Services program supports the cost-competitive delivery of ONTC commercial activities in rail freight, motor coach and refurbishment in northeastern Ontario (see Agencies section for more information).

Industrial Energy Support

The Industrial Energy Support program supports the development of industrial energy plans through the administration of the Northern Industrial Electricity Rate (NIER) Program. With ongoing funding of up to $120 million a year, the NIER program is targeted toward major industrial users to reduce energy costs.

Community Support

The Community Support program promotes and delivers programs, services and funding to build community infrastructure and assist communities in undertaking economic development projects. It also provides funding and advice to support community services in unincorporated areas.

Area team staff work with northern municipalities and Indigenous communities to help to identify, facilitate and develop economic development opportunities, projects and initiatives.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) also provides investments in Community Support projects across the North (see Agencies section below).

Growth Plan for Northern Ontario (Growth Plan)

MNDM is leading a coordinated and collaborative approach to the ongoing implementation of the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011, a 25-year plan to guide decision-making and strategic investment planning in Northern Ontario.

The Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011, was developed under the Places to Grow Act, 2005, and is the product of extensive engagement with northerners.

The Plan guides initiatives to build an economy that is resilient and sustainable and leverages the competitive strengths and human potential of northerners by providing them with more education, training and career opportunities. The Growth Plan aims to strengthen the economy of the North by focusing on six key principles:

• Creating a highly productive region, with a diverse, globally competitive economy that offers a range of career opportunities for all residents;
• Developing a highly educated and skilled workforce to support an evolving knowledge-based economy and excellence in the trades;
• Partnering with Aboriginal peoples to increase educational and employment opportunities;
• Delivering a complete network of transportation, energy, communications, social and learning infrastructure to support strong, vibrant communities;
• Demonstrating leadership in sustainable growth and environmental management; and,
• Establishing innovative partnerships to maximize resources and ensure this Plan achieves its ambitious vision and is fiscally sustainable.

Implementation of the Growth Plan is a collaborative effort of various partners and participants including governments, industry and business, municipalities, Aboriginal communities and organizations and other public and private sector institutions.

In 2017-18, progress will continue with a number of key initiatives under the Growth Plan including: 

• The Mineral Development Strategy, led by MNDM;
• The Northern Ontario Multimodal Transportation Strategy, led by the Ministry of Transportation;
• The Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing Sector Strategy for Northern Ontario, led by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
• The launch of the Northern Livestock Pilot, a key initiative under the Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing Sector Strategy;
• A five-year update on progress and achievements since the release of the Growth Plan;
• A coordinated and collaborative approach to northern policy and planning activities that by support partner ministry mandates and  strategic alignment with Growth Plan policies;
• The launch of the permanent, $120 million Northern Industrial Electricity Rate Program for qualifying large industrials; and,
• The alignment of NOHFC programs with the Growth Plan priorities.

The Northern Policy Institute (NPI), a commitment under the Growth Plan, was established as an independent not-for-profit organization. NPI provides a northern perspective, grounded in academic research, that serves as a guide for public policy development and to help inform decisions of governments, municipalities, communities, First Nations, businesses and industries. The work of NPI will continue through 2017-18.

Agencies

The above programs include the activities of three operational agencies for which MNDM is responsible:

1. Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
2. Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC)
3. Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC).

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is positioned to continue its role as a key driver of Northern Ontario’s significant growth potential. Through its programs, the NOHFC works with northern communities, entrepreneurs, not-for-profits and business organizations to address northern priorities while continuing to support vital infrastructure and community development projects that enhance quality of life and stimulate economic activity.

The NOHFC offers five programs that foster strategic and focused investment to support Northern Ontario’s economic prosperity and sustainability:

1. Strategic Economic Infrastructure Program
2. Community Capacity Building Program
3. Northern Innovation Program
4. Northern Business Opportunity Program
5. Northern Internship Program.

NOHFC programs focus on the growth of existing and emerging priority economic sectors identified in the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011, and the government’s key priority of helping communities prosper.

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission and Owen Sound Transportation Company

The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) and Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) are agencies of the province, reporting to the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.  Each receives annual operating and capital subsidies that support the delivery of transportation services in north-eastern Ontario.

The government is moving forward to ensure sustainable employment, continued economic growth, and a strong transportation network in Northeastern Ontario by transforming the ONTC. The ONTC operates the motor coach, Polar Bear Express, freight rail, and refurbishment services in Northeastern Ontario.

The OSTC continues to provide safe, reliable and efficient marine transportation services, delivered in Northeastern Ontario.  Vehicle and passenger services are provided by the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun ferry between the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island, and by the Niska 1 ferry between Moosonee and Moose Factory.  The OSTC also manages the Pelee Island ferry seasonally (with air service in the winter) by contract with the Ministry of Transportation.

Mines and Minerals

The Ministry supports a strong and sustainable minerals development industry by promoting investment and exploration, by providing information to global clients on Ontario’s wealth of mineral resources, and by the fair, effective and efficient administration of Ontario’s Mining Act. 

A renewed Mineral Development Strategy provides a blueprint for the industry’s growth over the next 10 years. The strategy has four key priorities to ensure the mining sector is:

1. Competitive and innovative
2. Safe and environmentally responsible
3. Efficiently and effectively regulated
4. Positioned to ensure growth and prosperity for future generations.

Six programs support the delivery of the Ministry’s mineral sector mandate:

1. Regulatory Administration of the Mining Act
2. Geoscience Information
3. Mineral Development Investment and Opportunity
4. Aboriginal Affairs
5. Ring of Fire Aboriginal Relations
6. Ring of Fire Infrastructure Development.

Program Descriptions

Regulatory Administration of the Mining Act

The Mines and Minerals Division administers the Mining Act through regulatory tools that  promote and sustain mineral exploration and mining in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

As part of this mandate, the Ministry is continuing to implement changes to modernize the Mining Act to ensure that mineral exploration and development in Ontario is undertaken in a manner that promotes a balanced approach that benefits all Ontarians, while modernizing the way mining companies stake and explore their claims to be more respectful of private landowners and Aboriginal communities.  Phase 3 of the Mining Act Modernization initiative will transform and modernize how mineral tenure is administered in Ontario by implementing an integrated, client-driven electronic system that enables clients to acquire and manage Crown lands for mineral development.

The Ministry also invests in the rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites on Crown-held lands to ensure public safety, improve the environment, make the lands available for productive use and reduce the Crown’s liability on these sites.

Geoscience Information

The Geoscience Information program collects and disseminates geoscience information to attract and guide mineral sector investment and inform government resource development and management.

Geoscience services support economic development through: source water protection;  mineral, energy, and groundwater-resource related development opportunities; land use planning; and safeguarding public health and safety related to geological hazards.

Mineral Development Investment and Opportunity

The Mineral Development Investment and Opportunity program researches, develops and promotes strategic investment opportunities to influence investment-related policies and decisions that support Ontario’s mineral competitiveness.

This program ensures Ontario receives a fair share of the value of mineral resources extracted from the province, identifies strategic investment opportunities, and influences policy issues that support Ontario’s mineral competitiveness.

Aboriginal Affairs

The Aboriginal Affairs program provides information and facilitates effective stakeholder relationships and partnerships to strengthen Aboriginal participation in Ontario’s economy including mineral sector opportunities.

This program encourages and enhances the capacity for Aboriginal communities to participate in, and take advantage of mineral resources and other economic development opportunities, while ensuring the Ministry meets its constitutional and legal obligations.  It develops and sustains productive and effective relationships among government, Aboriginal communities, industry, municipalities and other partners in support of greater economic development opportunities that benefit Aboriginal peoples.

Ring of Fire (ROF) Aboriginal Relations

The Ring of Fire Aboriginal Relations program focuses on building positive relationships with First Nation communities potentially impacted by Ring of Fire development, and with industry and other stakeholders with interests in the area.  Key activities include working with communities to build capacity and processes that support active participation in discussions and ensure they can fully benefit from mineral and related developments in the Ring of Fire, and working with industry and other stakeholders on activities related to mineral exploration and development.

The branch works closely with provincial and federal counterparts to advance progress and community capacity in areas related to mineral exploration and development, community and industrial infrastructure, individual and community wellness, and employment, skills training and economic development opportunities, among others.

In March 2014, the Province reached a landmark framework agreement with Matawa-member First Nations to move forward with a negotiation process on a community-based regional approach to development in the Ring of Fire. The agreement ensures First Nations and Ontario can work together to advance Ring of Fire opportunities, including regional long-term environmental monitoring and enhanced participation in environmental processes, resource revenue sharing, economic supports and regional and community infrastructure.

Ring of Fire Infrastructure Development

The Ring of Fire Infrastructure Development Program facilitates development and collaborative approaches with industry, First Nations and economic development organizations to ensure infrastructure development in the Ring of Fire achieves social and economic objectives.

In August 2014, the province announced the establishment of the ROF Infrastructure Development Corporation to bring First Nations, industry and the provincial and federal governments together to create partnerships and facilitate investment decisions in strategic transportation infrastructure in the Ring of Fire area. The not-for-profit corporation has an interim board of four Ontario public servants. As participation in the corporation evolves, the Board of Directors will be broadened to include membership from First Nations and industry partners. In its mature state, the corporation will be in a position to advise on crucial infrastructure investment decisions, including how to best utilize Ontario’s $1 billion dollar commitment to Ring of Fire infrastructure.

The Ministry will also continue its efforts to ensure effective and efficient processes for coordination and delivery of environmental assessments, permitting and approvals across provincial ministries and with the federal government.  Work will continue with regional and local economic development organizations to identify service delivery and business development opportunities and ensure that benefits from investments in Ontario’s resources are maximized through value added activity.

2017-18 Ministry Planned Expenditures by Division

Highlights of 2016-17 Achievements

To support new initiatives and existing ministry programs, the government, through the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM), projects to have invested over $830 million in the North and in Ontario’s mineral sectors in 2016-17.

Some of the key Ministry achievements from 2016-17 include:

• The province partnered with the Ontario Prospectors Association and announced a $5 million investment through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support 43 exploration projects through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program (JEAP). This program is part of Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy (MDS) plan to ensure that our mineral exploration sector is competitive and innovative by attracting jobs and investment, increasing mineral discovery rates, and fostering a culture of innovation.
• The Ministry has made progress on the implementation on a number of bi-lateral agreements with several First Nation communities including Neskantaga, Marten Falls and Webequie. The commitments and implementation of these agreements facilitated federal engagement with key Ring of Fire communities, including partnering on social supports as part of their community based pilot projects which includes additional investments in on-reserve housing, health care and training.
• The Ministry provided $4.2 million to Aboriginal Communities through the Aboriginal Participation Fund to provide capacity for communities to effectively participate in consultation with the mineral industry.
• The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation committed approximately $134 million toward 837 projects, leveraging approximately $599 million from project partners.
• Approximately $560 million was committed for northern highways, including $173 million for expansion work and $387 million for rehabilitation.
• The Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) delivered 62 geological projects across Ontario, including in the Ring of Fire area, and published 100 new geoscience products with more than 345,000 file downloads of digital products.
• The Ministry, through the OGS, completed one of the largest airborne geophysical surveys ever contracted by the OGS in northwestern Ontario.
• Two- and three-dimensional geological mapping projects continued in various regions across Ontario to attract mineral investment, to inform land-use planning related to First Nations communities in the Far North and municipalities in Northern and Southern Ontario, to assess mineral groundwater resource potential and to support resource and infrastructure development decisions.
• In 2016-17, staff assisted 560 public and private sector clients (including 59 Aboriginal clients) to identify and develop economic development initiatives and business development opportunities across the North.
• The province’s Northern Communities Investment Readiness (NCIR) program supported 19 community projects in 2016-17, eight of which were for Aboriginal communities.
• The OSTC achieved a 10.8 per cent increase in passenger traffic in 2015 as a result of its successful marketing strategy and rebranding campaign, which included an exterior update of the Chi-Cheemaun with native art motifs. The Chi-Cheemaun, operated by the OSTC, underwent $3.2 million worth of renovations.

Please refer to Appendix: 2016-17 Annual Report, for further details on the Ministry’s 2016-17 achievements.

Ministry Organizational Chart

Statutes Administered

Mining Act

The Mining Act is the provincial legislation that governs and regulates mineral tenure, prospecting, mineral exploration, mine development and rehabilitation in Ontario. The purpose of the Act is to encourage prospecting, staking and exploration for the development of mineral resources in a manner consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including the duty to consult, and to minimize the impact of these activities on public health and safety and the environment.

Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Act

This Act establishes the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. It recognizes the different conditions and special needs existing in Northern Ontario and the desire of northern residents to have a stronger voice in government.  The Act defines the Ministry’s function to coordinate government activities and initiate policies and programs for the government in Northern Ontario and on behalf of the minerals industry. At this time, the Act retains “Forestry” in its title even though responsibilities for the forestry sector were transferred to the Ministry of Natural Resources in 2011.  Order in Council 1571-2011 identifies the Minister of Northern Development and Mines as presiding over the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Act

This Act establishes a corporation to promote economic development and diversification in Northern Ontario, through the use of funds provided for that purpose. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation operates as an Operational Service Agency of the Province.

Northern Services Boards Act

This Act, passed in 1999, replaces the former Local Services Boards Act. The Act provides choice and flexibility to northern residents in the establishment of service delivery mechanisms that recognize the unique circumstances of Northern Ontario and allow increased efficiency and accountability in area-wide service delivery.

The first part of the Act allows inhabitants of territories without municipal organization to establish legally-constituted local services boards to act on their behalf, and to raise funds for certain basic community services to improve the quality of life.  The second part of the Act provides for the establishment of area service boards to consolidate delivery of six core services: child care, social assistance, public health, social housing, land ambulance service, and homes for the aged as well as a variety of optional services.

An area services board would have taxation authority in the board area to recover service costs.

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Act

This Act established the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) for the purposes of providing transportation services to Northern Ontario. The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission operates as an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Province.

Professional Geoscientists Act

This Act established the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario as the governing body for geoscientists, and empowers the association to establish standards of professional practice for persons who wish to be recognized as professional geoscientists.

Agencies, Boards, and Commissions

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is a statutory corporation established under the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Act. It was established in 1988 to advise and make recommendations on any matter relating to the growth and diversification of the economy of Northern Ontario, and to promote and stimulate economic initiatives. The Corporation is a funding organization that provides loans and grants to stabilize, diversify and foster the economic growth of Northern Ontario.

The Corporation is an Operational Service Agency of the Province, and its directors are appointed by Minister’s prerogative Order in Council. The Minister is the Chair of the Board of Directors.

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission

The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) is a statutory corporation established under the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway Act, 1902 (Ontario) and continued under the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Act.

In April 2014, the province announced that it will continue to operate the motor coach, Polar Bear Express, rail freight, and refurbishment services of the ONTC as a government-owned transportation company.
The ONTC is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Province, and its directors are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council Premier’s prerogative Order in Council.

Owen Sound Transportation Company, Limited

The Owen Sound Transportation Company, Limited (OSTC) is a share capital corporation incorporated pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The OSTC delivers marine (vehicle and passenger) services from Tobermory to South Baymouth aboard the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun, and between Moosonee and Moose Factory Island using the M.V. Niska 1 ferry. The OSTC also operates the Pelee Island ferry seasonally (with air service in the winter) by contract with the Ministry of Transportation.

The OSTC is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Province. Its directors are appointed by Minister’s appointment letter. The Minister is the sole shareholder of the OSTC.

Detailed Financial Information

Combined Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

Transfer Payments to Agencies

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

  *Note: reflects amounts presented in the 2017 Ontario Budget.

Appendix: Ministry of Northern Development and Mines: 2016-17 Annual Report

2016-17 Achievements

To support new initiatives and existing ministry programs, the Government, through the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM), projects to have invested more than $830 million in the North and in Ontario’s mineral sectors in 2016-17.

Ring of Fire – Infrastructure Development

In 2016-2017, the Ministry’s Ring of Fire Secretariat continued to lay the groundwork to drive smart, sustainable and collaborative development in the region.

The government recognizes Ring of Fire transportation infrastructure development needs are broader than industrial roads and/or rail options. It’s an opportunity to meet community infrastructure needs.
Notable results from Ontario’s investments include:

• Reaffirmed $1-billion commitment to develop transportation infrastructure in the region in 2016 Budget

In 2016, the community service corridor study was submitted to both MNDM and the Government of Canada through Fednor. The study contained a number of routing options, technical information, and community perspectives. The Ministry is currently working with the First Nations on concerns identified through this study that will inform future decision to connect these First Nations to each other and to existing provincial roads.

The ministry continues to work with Marten Falls First Nation to advance work that will connect their First Nation to existing provincial networks by funding the necessary technical and pre-environmental assessment work and community engagement necessary to select preferred corridor.

The ministry has also been working with Neskantaga, Marten Falls, Nibinamik and Webequie First Nations on winter road realignments that will align with future all season road corridors

This preparatory work will build on studies and work that has been supported by Ontario through our Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and community-based land use planning that looks at feasibility, environmental factors and cultural values to inform future decisions.

The Ring of Fire Infrastructure Development Corporation has finalized a number of infrastructure studies that provide key analyses of industrial infrastructure options, market conditions, and economic impacts. These studies will provide a technical reference for key partners and First Nations, and help inform next steps related to potential infrastructure development to the Ring of Fire.

Ring of Fire – Indigenous Relations and Investment

Ontario remains committed to working with First Nations as partners, to ensure they have the opportunity to shape and provide input into how Ring of Fire development moves forward.

To that end, in 2016-17 MNDM continued working collaboratively with provincial and federal partners to provide financial and other supports to ensure these communities can actively participate in decision-making processes and fully benefit from potential developments in the region.

Since 2011, Ontario has contributed more than $111.2M to support community readiness and capacity-building activities in areas including:

• Capacity-building and building local expertise;
• access to the necessary technical and legal advice;
• land use planning;
• specific mineral exploration and mining sector related supports;
• skills training, education and awareness;
• financial literacy and governance supports;
• social investments; and
• advancing our Regional Framework Agreement signed with the Matawa-member First Nations in 2014.

These investments are yielding promising results. More than 3,100 First Nations clients have already received supports through our skills and training, education and awareness programs. Many of the graduates from this program have gone onto post-secondary education and some are now working in key positions within their respective First Nations in areas of community engagement related to Ring of Fire proposed developments.

It is important that we prepare now to have workers and communities ready for mining and related development opportunities and support capacity building, so that communities can have members that are the experts or have access to experts to provide advice to the leadership and members for informed decision-making and benefits.

Development in the Ring of Fire is a complex undertaking, and the government is working in partnership with First Nations, industry, the federal government, and others to come together to create the necessary conditions for private-sector investment and community partnerships. Through various initiatives, Ontario is working closely with First Nations, industry and other partners to ensure the Ring of Fire can move forward in a way that maximizes the benefits stemming from development.

Growth Plan

The Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, released in 2011, is a 25-year strategic framework that supports job creation and economic prosperity in the North by investing in people, building modern infrastructure and supporting a dynamic and innovative business climate. The plan is designed to be responsive to northern circumstances and is based on northern input.

Implementation of the Growth Plan is continuing. Key achievements from 2016-17 include:

• The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation committed more than $134 million towards 837 projects resulting in 2,829 jobs created or retained.
• As part of the commitment to meet regularly with northern municipal and Indigenous leaders, the fourth Northern Leaders’ Dialogue was held in June 2016 in Sudbury.
• The ministry is working with the Ministry of Transportation on a Multi-modal Transportation Strategy to provide a plan for an integrated northern transportation network. A discussion paper, supported by several technical background papers, was released for public comment in 2016.  Following this, MTO hosted outreach sessions with communities and Indigenous organizations across Northern Ontario. The strategy is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
• Ontario made program changes to the ongoing Northern Industrial Electricity Rate Program that will help Northern Ontario’s largest electricity consumers lower their electricity costs. The program will continue to invest $120 million dollars annually.
• Ontario participated in 14 domestic and international trade and investment marketing events, including hosting and co-sponsoring the first Mines and Money Americas conference in Toronto.
• The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs continued to lead the development of a Northern Ontario Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing Sector Strategy slated to be released in 2017.
• The ministry continued to lead a coordinated and collaborative approach to northern policy and planning activities that support partner ministry mandates and strategic alignment with Growth Plan policies.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is an agency of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Through the NOHFC, Ontario is making strategic investments to help expand economic opportunity and create or retain thousands of jobs across the North.  The NOHFC supports businesses across the North in a wide array of sectors through its five funding programs, with investments in such sectors from mining to craft brewing, tourism to film and television production, and health care to food processing.

Since 2013, the NOHFC has invested $488 million in projects in the North, leveraging more than $1.7 billion in direct economic activity in Northern Ontario that has created or retained 10,895 jobs.

$100 million in annual funding is used to partner with entrepreneurial northerners and communities looking to create and expand promising businesses, develop innovative technologies, invest in infrastructure and create new jobs.

The NOHFC’s programs are strengthening North Ontario’s economy by:

• Providing funding to help promising start-ups launch – and successful businesses expand with the Northern Business Opportunity Program
• Supporting the development and commercialization of new technologies by fostering collaboration among businesses, academic institutions and research facilities with the Northern Innovation Program
• Helping Northern communities attract new businesses through opportunities and events that promote long-term growth with the Northern Community Capacity Building Program
• Funding infrastructure that will advance economic development and investment with the Strategic Economic Infrastructure Program
• Attracting and retaining college and university graduates by providing one-year internships with businesses in a number of key industries with the Northern Ontario Internship Program.
• From October 2003 to March 2017, the NOHFC approved more than $1.2 billion toward 8,043 projects. This leveraged more than $4.4 billion from other funding sources. Those investments helped create or sustain more than 29,814 jobs across the North.
• In 2016-17 alone, the NOHFC committed more than $134 million toward 837 projects that resulted in 2,829 jobs to be created or retained.
• The NOHFC makes strategic investments in areas that will have the greatest impact. Highlights include:
• Investments in Ontario’s craft beer industry. To date, the NOHFC has supported the industry in Northern Ontario by providing more than $4 million to 15 microbreweries. This has resulted in more than $7 million in direct economic activity, created or sustained 105 jobs, and allowed brewers across the North to grow their businesses, increase production and enhance their market share.
• Investments in Film & TV Production Projects. NOHFC has provided $27.8 million towards 39 projects, including financial support for the production of popular Canadian television series Letterkenny and Cardinal, which are shot in and around the cities of North Bay and Sudbury.  Several feature films have been shot in Northern Ontario in 2016-17, including Indian Horse, a feature film adapted from Ojibway author Richard Wagemese’s acclaimed 2012 novel, a fictional account inspired by the author’s experiences that illuminates the unfortunate and tragic legacy of Canada’s residential school system. The story is told through Saul Indian Horse, a young boy who is taken to a residential school, but finds strength and resilience through hockey.
• $6.7 million towards seven Tile Drainage an d Land Clearing Projects. Land clearing and tile drainage installation are two key investments to lands that increase productivity in the agricultural sector.
• $5 million for Lakehead University’s new Centre for Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences. NOHFC funding will enable the new facility to boost research and innovation, purchase specialized research equipment, increase lab space and create 67 new local jobs. The centre will also assist local businesses in developing and commercializing their products and support the work of the university's four new Canada Research Chairs.
• $1 million to improve access to palliative care in Sault Ste. Marie. NOHFC support will help the Algoma Residential Community Hospice build a new 4,800 square-foot addition, which will allow the hospice to expand its palliative and end-of-life care services and add a new paediatric suite. The larger facility will also accommodate a children's playroom, a wellness area and a counselling room for patients and families. The project is expected to help serve more than 500 additional residents and create five full-time jobs and three part-time positions.
• $2.3 million for Chukuni Communities Development Corporation to undertake a project that improves Internet and broadband Ethernet services in the Dryden, Kenora and Red Lake areas, including Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake, Machin, Ignace, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls and Ear Falls. The improvements will include upgrading existing telecommunications infrastructure and installing additional fibre and networking equipment for improved residential and commercial connectivity. Better and faster access to the Internet will provide social and economic benefits to residents and businesses.

In 2016-17, NOHFC inved $14.1 million through its Northern Ontario Internship Program to help 542 young people secure job placements to get valuable training and experience for their future in fields such as mechanical technology, marketing, accounting, law, information technology, health research, human resources, laboratory analysis, and software development.

Trade and Investment

The Ministry enhances investment and trade across Northern Ontario by working closely with Northern Ontario-based businesses seeking to expand into foreign markets, and by identifying and promoting mining sector business opportunities to attract foreign investment to Ontario.

This year, for the first time in its 13-year history, the Mines and Money investment conference was held in the Americas with Ontario as its first host and co-sponsor for the event in Toronto. The mining investment conference took place in September 2016 and attracted more than 300 investors and 100 exhibitors helping raise investment capital for new mineral exploration project in Ontario.

It was a unique opportunity to showcase Ontario's competitive business climate for mining investment and to support the strategic priorities of the province’s renewed Mineral Development Strategy (MDS). Ontario will host the conference again in October 2017.

The Ministry also attended the world largest mining event, Mine Expo International in Las Vegas. MNDM hosted the Ontario pavilion in partnership with Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation. The Ontario pavilion hosted16 northern Ontario mining and equipment suppliers in support of growing export trade in this important sector.

The main objectives for attending the MineExpo were:

• to support the 16 northern Ontario companies exhibiting in the Ontario pavilion;
• promote the R&D mining cluster initiative; and
• to implement the mining supply and services investment attraction strategy.

This event provides access to the most advanced equipment, products and services that have transformed modern mining today and offered a glimpse into the industry’s future.

Accomplishments for 2016-17 included:

• Led 14 trade and investment marketing events (trade shows, investment missions and incoming missions)
• Supported 27 companies that attended international events
• Over 200 business-to-business meetings
• 42 new investment and trade leads
• Attracted over $30 million in new investment capital for the mineral exploration sector

Regional Economic Development

Through a network of 25 Northern Ontario offices, MNDM staff promotes and delivers programs, services and funding that help communities with infrastructure and economic development projects, and assist businesses with start-up, retention and expansion opportunities. 

In 2016-17, with support from the Northern Communities Investment Readiness (NCIR) initiative, communities in the North received more than $440,000 to develop the tools and capability to attract, receive and successfully explore investment opportunities

The NCIR program was launched in 2006 to support and promote a strong investment attraction climate in Northern Ontario and to assist northern communities, First Nations and economic development corporations in developing the tools and capability to receive, develop, and successfully attract investment opportunities.

Since 2006, NCIR has supported 439 community-based projects valued at more than $4.8 million, which includes 33 projects in 2016-17, 13 of which were for Indigenous communities. The program is viewed as a valued resource for northern communities with a population of fewer than 10,000 residents, First Nations, and Economic Development Corporations.

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission

The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) is a provincial agency of the Province of Ontario, providing reliable and efficient transportation in northeastern Ontario. Services delivered by the ONTC include the Polar Bear Express passenger train service between Cochrane and Moosonee, rail freight services, refurbishment services, scheduled and charter motor coach services and bus parcel express.

The Ministry continued to fulfill its commitment to supporting the ONTC to provide and ensure efficient, safe and reliable transportation services to Northern Ontario to support long term sustainability through transformation efforts.

Sixteen passenger coaches are being refurbished as part of the renewal of the Polar Bear Express train with the first car being put in service in 2016-17. Ontario’s $17 million investment in the Polar Bear Express upgraded and modernized a rail service that provides an essential link for people and businesses in the North — the only year-round ground transportation connecting Cochrane to Moosonee and the James Bay Coast. The new train cars will improve the travel experience for passengers, offering them new seats with electrical and USB charging, accessible washrooms, modern flooring, enhanced luggage space, comfortable dining cars and a family car.

Other Key achievements from 2016-17:

• ONTC was awarded a contract from CANARAIL to remanufacture 11 Rocky Mountaineer coaches. Work began on the coaches in September.
• The ONTC hired 85 new remanufacturing and repair centre employees as a result of the Rocky Mountaineer project and other repair work.
• Sixteen passenger coaches are being refurbished as part of the renewal of the Polar Bear Express train with the first car put into service during 2016-17. 
• Work on the Polar Bear Express provides ongoing employment for 25 skilled employees.
• The ONTC carried more than 27,000 carloads of freight in 2016 and provided coach transportation to 240,000 passengers.

Owen Sound Transportation Company

The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) provides state-of-the-art passenger, vehicle and cargo transportation services on northern and southwestern Ontario waterways. The OSTC is an operational enterprise agency of the Province of Ontario.

The OSTC owns and operates a passenger ferry, the MS Chi-Cheemaun, and a landing craft style ferry, MV Niska I. The MS Chi-Cheemaun operates from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island and the MV Niska I operates between Moosonee and Moose Factory Island on Moose River. The OSTC also provides vessel management services for the Ministry of Transportation for two vessels, the MV Pelee Islander and the MV Jiimaan.

In April 2015, the OSTC launched the ‘Travel in Good Spirits’ marketing campaign for the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun passenger vessel. The campaign contributed to a two-year combined 20.21 per cent increase in passenger traffic and 16.31 per cent increase in vehicles ferried. The campaign includes digital advertising, animated videos, promoted social posts, as well as a vinyl mural decal wrap featuring local Indigenous art on the Chi-Cheemaun.

The Chi-Cheemaun is also in the process of undergoing renovations. In 2016, renovations were completed on the Forward Lounge and Information Booth to better accommodate the needs of passengers and to facilitate on-board performance events.

The OSTC also re-designed www.ontarioferries.com resulting in a 17 per cent increase in total site visits (436,062 visits including 41,177 direct web visitors from paid media, which played a key role in ridership growth).

In 2016, the OSTC won two Ontario tourism awards including the Tourism Northern Ontario President’s Award at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit, and the award for best marketing campaign over $25,000 at the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation Awards.

Northern Industrial Electricity Rate Program

Since 2010, the NIER program has been helping Northern Ontario’s largest industrial electricity consumers reduce their electricity costs, create and sustain jobs, and maintain long-term global competitiveness.
Recognizing the unique challenges facing northern industries, Ontario made a commitment in the 2015 budget to an ongoing NIER program with a continued investment of up to $120 million annually to support qualifying large northern industrial consumers.

On April 26, 2016, a proposal was posted on the Ontario government’s Environmental Registry to solicit public input on the proposed design of an ongoing NIER program. The proposal was posted for a 30 day public review. A number of stakeholders, including program participants wrote submissions expressing support for an ongoing NIER program.

The NIER program is part of Ontario's plan to strengthen the economy and support a dynamic and innovative business climate that attracts investment and helps create jobs. Since 2010, the NIER program has disbursed approximately $784 million, with approximately $113 million of that being dispersed in 2016-17.

Northern Highways and Winter Roads

Through the Northern Highways Program, the ministry continues to strengthen the economy in the North by improving critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges and making highway travel safer and more efficient.
Ontario invested $541 million in 2016-17 to support highway rehabilitation and expansion projects across the North. During the 2016 construction season, the Province made significant progress to repair and expand local infrastructure in the northeast and northwest regions. Highlights include:

• Approximately $129 million for expansion including four-laning and safety initiative projects;
• The continuation of four-laning sections of Highway 69 south of Sudbury; and
• The continuation of four-laning sections of Highway 11-17 east of Thunder Bay.
• Approximately $412 million for bridge and highway rehabilitation;

Northern Highways Program projects, such as adding passing lanes, resurfacing sections of highway and rehabilitating and replacing bridges, are part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history. Starting in 2014-15, across the province, Ontario is building a record number of new roads, transit projects, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure totaling $190 billion over 13 years.

In 2016-17, the ministry invested $5.5 million through the Winter Roads Program to help fund seasonal access to remote northern communities that are not connected to the province’s highway network. This investment was matched by the Government of Canada through the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs for a total of $11 million.
Investments included both maintenance and construction, and cover more than 3,100 kilometres that serve a total resident population of approximately 24,000 people and link 31 remote First Nations in the Far North. As a result, northerners have more economical and safe access to services and supplies. MNDM is committed to seizing opportunities to improve this network and transportation in our Far North.

Ontario is investing in transportation infrastructure in Northern Ontario to make travel easier and safer.

Mineral Sector Highlights

In 2016-17, Ontario remained the leading jurisdiction in the exploration and production of minerals in Canada, and a major player across the world. The mining and exploration industry is an incredibly important contributor to the provincial economy.

While mining exploration expenditures declined last year due to economic uncertainty and lower metal prices from reduced global demand for minerals, the outlook is improving.

In 2016, the value of mineral production in the province was $10.6 billion, making Ontario the top province in Canada for mineral production.  Exploration expenditures in Ontario were approximately $371 million.

Active mining claim units for 2016 were more than 207,000. There are 39 operating mines and 29 advanced mineral projects in Ontario.

The total number of direct jobs in mineral production was over 26,000 in 2016-17. Mineral production also supported an additional 50,000 indirect jobs that are associated with mineral manufacturing and processing.

The mineral sector is the largest private sector employer of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Ontario accounts for approximately 25 per cent of mining jobs in Canada.  About two-thirds of Ontario mining jobs are in the north.

As of 2016, the government has invested more than $170 million in Ontario mineral sector activities to date; including but not limited to:

• $40 million for initiatives supporting a modernized Mining Act,
• $2.6 million for supporting mining supply and services companies to expand their export capacity and increase sales to international markets,
• More than $13 million for the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation in Sudbury, and
• $120.4 million has been expended on the Abandoned Mines Rehabilitation Program since 2003.

Mining Innovation

In 2016, to support the renewed MDS, Ontario hosted a Mining Innovation Summit in Sudbury.

The Summit brought together experts from across North America to discuss ways to support innovation in Ontario’s mining sector to help maintain its place as a global innovation leader.

At the Summit, participants discussed:

• opportunities and barriers for the innovative technologies of today and tomorrow;
• new concepts to commercialization;
• new materials and niche commodities such as lithium and  graphite and their applications; and
• opportunities to enhance relationships and economic development strategies between Indigenous people, industry and government.

The Summit built on Ontario’s world-class mining reputation and ability to harness research, innovation and entrepreneurial strengths in the Province.

The Summit followed closely on the heels of the Battery Supply Chain roundtable, which was organized in October 2016.

The MNDM-led roundtable highlighted opportunities for niche commodities where Ontario has, or could create, a competitive edge, including lithium and graphite.  Advancing clean technologies took centre stage as participants discussed pathways for building the supply chain, and the partnerships needed to support Ontario companies and products.

Junior Exploration Assistance Program

In 2016-17, Ontario continued its $5 million Junior Exploration Assistance pilot program which was created to support junior companies exploring in Ontario.

The program is funded by the NOHFC and is administered by the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA). Through this program, Ontario invested in 43 exploration projects.

This $5 million investment allows the OPA to provide grants to qualifying junior exploration companies completing early stage exploration on properties in Northern Ontario. This new program is targeting companies with a market capitalization of less than $5 million, and will provide explorers a reimbursement of up to 33.33 per cent of their exploration spending to a maximum of $100,000 for a single project. Each qualifying company will be allowed to fund two separate projects.

This is part of Ontario’s plan to ensure that our mineral exploration sector is competitive and innovative by attracting jobs and investment, increasing mineral discovery rates, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Modernizing the Mining Act

In 2016-17, Ontario continued its work to modernize the Mining Act to ensure Ontario remains a leading jurisdiction for mineral exploration and production.

In October 2016, Bill 39, The Aggregate Resources and Mining Modernization Act, was tabled in the Legislature to propose changes to further modernize the Mining Act. On May 9, 2017, Bill 39 was passed and includes changes that will improve the administration of an online claim registration and integrated land management system.

The administration of mining lands will evolve from the current paper-based process to a digital process.  This will involve a one-time conversation process of all legacy mining claims to cell and boundary claims on a provincial grid.  Both of these elements were included in previous public consultations and postings regarding implementation of the process to modernize the Mining Act.

In 2016-17, 107 active exploration plans and 226 exploration permits were issued. In 2016-17, MNDM approved assessment credits of $1,877,200.00 for the geo-referencing of mining claims, and $489, 771.00 in assessment credits for Aboriginal consultation.  Some 614 prospectors and interested parties have taken the online Mining Act Awareness Program.

In 2016-2017 the ministry launched the Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF). The fund supports the participation of Indigenous communities and organizations in regulatory processes under the Mining Act and in economic development activities associated with mineral exploration and development.

Since its inception in April 2016, the Aboriginal Participation Fund has committed more than $8.1 million dollars over the next three fiscal years to support more than 49 Transfer Payment Contribution Agreements with Indigenous communities.

Three funding streams to help Indigenous communities participate in and benefit from mineral exploration and development:

• Mineral development advisors and supporting funding
• Values mapping and support
• Education and relationship building

The APF supports consultation capacity, education and relationship-building activities. It builds and strengthens relationships among Indigenous communities and organizations, government and industry and enables indigenous communities to get ready for meaningful participation in development.

Abandoned Mines Rehabilitation Program

The Abandoned Mines Rehabilitation Program rehabilitates Ontario’s legacy abandoned mines to ensure the lands are available for other uses, and to help ensure abandoned mine sites do not become a lasting environmental and health concern.

This contributes to a strong and sustainable mining industry that works to ensure protection of the environment and provide substantive and sustainable benefits to Ontario residents and communities.

Through the program, Ontario has rehabilitated a total of more than 80 of the highest priority abandoned mine sites in the province.

In 2016-17, the ministry provided $5 million to conduct reclamation work on 13 sites.

Geoscience Mapping

In 2016, the Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) celebrated 125 years of documenting the geology of Ontario and providing modern, independent and credible geoscience data and knowledge to the public.

Since its establishment, the OGS has contributed significantly to fostering investment in Ontario, protecting public health and safety, informing environmental and land-use planning decisions, and helping the Province become Canada’s top mineral jurisdiction.

The OGS collects and shares geoscience information across Ontario to attract and guide mineral sector investment and inform a broad range of government policy priorities, such as:

• Identifying  potential for minerals, energy and groundwater;
• Land-use planning decisions by Indigenous communities and other provincial and federal ministries and departments such as the Ministry of Municipal Affair and Housing, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, municipalities, among others; and
• Decisions related to other ministry policy initiatives, such as the Far North Act, source water protection and development, public protection from natural geological hazards, and characterization of the state of the environment from a geological perspective.

2016-17 accomplishments that continue to grow Ontario’s geoscience information include:

• Delivery of 62 geological projects across Ontario, including in the Ring of Fire area;
• Two- and three-dimensional geological mapping projects continued in various regions across Ontario to attract mineral investment, to inform land-use planning related to First Nation communities in the Far North and municipalities in Northern and southern Ontario, to assess mineral and groundwater resource potential and to support resource and infrastructure development decisions;
• Published geochemical survey data, including groundwater characterization, continued to assist in the identification of natural and anthropogenic factors in the environment, water-quality issues and geo-hazards;
• One of the largest airborne geophysical surveys ever contracted by the OGS was flown in northwestern Ontario;
• Inventory assessments of groundwater quality have been completed across southern Ontario;
• Development of a geo-hazards program framework for possible implementation;
• Mineral inventory resource assessments were completed across various parts of Ontario to establish a framework for assessing mineral resource potential;
• Participation in 24 collaborative geoscience projects with other federal, provincial and municipal governments, First Nation bands and organizations, conservation authorities, the cities of Ottawa and Guelph, and academia;
• The technical transfer of geological and groundwater, aggregate, energy, and mineral related geological insights to users at about 20 technical trade shows and meetings of international, national and provincial scope;
• Representation of Ontario’s geoscience interests in the Great Lakes Geological Mapping Coalition, the Institute of Lake Superior Geology, and nationally through the National Geological Surveys Committee;
• Development of digital geoscience digital products, with file downloads in excess of 345,000 maps and reports; and
• Publication of 100 new geoscience products.

Ontario is home to a highly productive, technologically advanced, environmentally sound and safe mining industry, and the work of the OGS continues to contribute to our longstanding reputation as Canada’s leading mining jurisdiction.

Red Tape Challenge

In 2016-17, the Ministry participated in the Red Tape Challenge, which complements the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the mining industry in Ontario is efficiently
and effectively regulated. The province’s MDS made improving regulatory efficiency a priority.

The round of consultations focused on the mining sector will run from March 31 to May 31, 2017. Innovative projects like the Red Tape Challenge are helping to further reduce burden for Ontario’s businesses.

Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures 2016-17

Staff Strength (OPS full-time equivalent positions as of March 31, 2017):   445.2