Ontario boosts Northern support amid U.S. tariff uncertainty

In response to growing concerns over U.S. tariffs and shifting trade policies, the Ontario government is shifting the focus of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to protect jobs, strengthen local industries, and secure long-term prosperity in the region. Minister George Pirie emphasized the province’s goal to build a more self-reliant and competitive economy by investing in projects that help Northern Ontario withstand trade disruptions. Effective immediately, NOHFC funding will prioritize initiatives that respond quickly to economic challenges, particularly those triggered by U.S. tariffs, while also supporting innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth. This will enable communities and businesses to navigate uncertainty more effectively and emerge stronger. To reinforce this direction, the province is also injecting an additional $30 million over the next three years, increasing the NOHFC’s annual budget to $110 million. These efforts are expected to support communities of all sizes, including Indigenous communities, by providing targeted funding where it’s most needed.