For Immediate Release
January 24, 2005

News Release

New NOHFC Programs will Create Jobs and Build Prosperity

Application Forms and Program Details Now Available

SAULT STE. MARIE – The McGuinty government has released details and application guidelines for six new Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) programs that will revitalize Northern Ontario, Northern Development and Mines Minister and NOHFC Chair Rick Bartolucci announced today.

"The new NOHFC is now open for business," said Bartolucci. "We consulted extensively across the North to ensure that our new programs will address the priorities of northerners by creating stronger communities, fostering job creation and building future prosperity in Northern Ontario."

The six new programs, developed under the refocused NOHFC mandate, will provide new opportunities to northern Ontario youth, young entrepreneurs, business owners, communities, public-private partnerships and others across the North. They will complement other government initiatives such as the Northern Ontario Grow Bonds pilot project and the GO North Investor Program.

Full program details and applications forms are now available from the NOHFC website at www.nohfc.com. Program brochures are available at MNDM offices, Government Information Centres and Small Business Enterprise Centres across the North. The NOHFC will start accepting applications immediately.

"We kept the fund active during the review of the NOHFC's mandate," said Bartolucci. "Now we've got a new and improved program that will help retain youth and support important community initiatives and private-public partnerships that foster economic growth and job creation in the North."

A refocused NOHFC is key to the government's Northern Prosperity Plan for delivering real, positive change across the North. The plan is founded on four pillars or areas of focus: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister's Office - Sudbury
(705) 564-7454