November 13, 2026
Provincial funding will help eight mining supply and services companies expand operations, create good-paying jobs and build stronger, more self-reliant economy
NORTHERN ONTARIO — The Ontario government is investing $2.63 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help eight northern companies expand or launch operations, purchase equipment and create approximately 100 good-paying jobs in the mining supply and services sector. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, this investment will strengthen the province’s mining supply chain, support local businesses, create new opportunities for workers and drive economic growth across northern Ontario.
“Through strategic investments, programs and trade missions, our government is building up Ontario’s mining supply and services sector to ensure it remains a key part of the economy and a reliable source of jobs,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This funding is helping ensure companies can meet the demand of northern Ontario’s growing mining industry and demonstrates that great business opportunities exist in the North.”
NOHFC funding supports a variety of business activities, including building upgrades, equipment purchases and training. Examples of NOHFC-funded projects across northern Ontario include:
- Caron Equipment Inc., a contracting company in Timmins, is receiving $800,000 in total for two projects that will enhance work capacity. The funding will be used to buy equipment, such as rock haul trucks, dozers and an excavator, enabling the company to take on and complete mining contracts and hire more employees.
- Varis Mine Technology Ltd. manufactures monitoring systems in Sudbury and is receiving $400,000 to build a new facility and buy equipment. With the funding, the company will be able to create new jobs and offer new services and products, such as energy distribution and collision avoidance systems.
- Unmanned Aerial Services Inc. supports the mining industry by providing a variety of services, including mapping, remote inspections, equipment supply, consulting and training. The company is receiving $51,628 for workspace upgrades, training, marketing and equipment purchases to grow its operations in Lively and offer new manufacturing services.
- Northern Sky Drone Solutions is receiving $31,000 to launch a drone services business in Sudbury and will put funding toward buying a drone, training and marketing. The project will help northern mining companies access local quality aerial data solutions.
“Our government is unlocking the full potential of Ontario’s mining industry and the northern businesses that drive it,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Minister Pirie is taking action to safeguard Ontario businesses from tariff exposure, delivering a needed boost to eight northern companies. Ontario’s investment will ensure these companies expand operations and create new jobs as they build to meet growing demand across our end-to-end critical minerals supply chain. This is a positive story, as we work to further accelerate permit approvals so that Ontario’s ethically sourced minerals, skilled workers and supply chains always prevail over the world’s despotic regimes.”
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s increased investment, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.
Quick Facts
- Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
- Since June 2018, the NOHFC has approved more than $1.1 billion for 9,011 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,900 jobs.
- In addition to investments, Ontario leads trade missions to promote its strong mining supply and services sector, develop new international markets and attract investments. Recent missions included the Ontario Mining Export Mission to Expomina and the Ontario Mining Mission to the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC).
Quotes
“We have built our company on strong partnerships with our clients and industry leaders, fostering long-standing relationships that have contributed to our continued growth and success. As competition continues to increase, particularly with companies entering northern Ontario from other provinces, government support plays a critical role in helping local businesses like ours remain competitive. This funding strengthens our ability to secure new opportunities, invest in our operations and, most importantly, attract and retain skilled local talent in an increasingly challenging labour market.”
– Marc Caron, President, Caron Equipment Inc.
“The funding provided through the NOHFC has been a catalyst for growth within our organization. By expanding our manufacturing capabilities in northern Ontario, we have been able to increase revenue, enhance our product offerings and strengthen our supply chain through greater local sourcing. Most importantly, this growth has allowed us to create new employment opportunities and invest in the skilled workforce that is critical to the future of manufacturing in our region. We sincerely appreciate the NOHFC’s partnership in helping companies like ours grow and contribute to the economic prosperity of northern Ontario.”
– Albert Bower, Chief Executive Officer, Varis Mine Technology Ltd.
“The NOHFC partnership gives Unmanned Aerial Services Inc. the opportunity to build Canada’s independent technological future from within. By establishing our own advanced manufacturing facility using industrial 3D printing in Sudbury, we are meeting key needs in underground mining and defense applications, securing critical supply chains, enhancing operational security and creating new high-skilled jobs in northern Ontario.”
– Matt MacKinnon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Unmanned Aerial Services Inc.
“I am extremely grateful to the NOHFC for supporting the launch of Northern Sky Drone Solutions. This funding represents an important milestone in turning my extensive experience in construction and industrial project management into a new business opportunity. The investment will allow me to acquire specialized drone equipment, advanced mapping technology and professional software necessary to deliver accurate, efficient and cost-effective aerial solutions. My goal is to provide northern Ontario businesses with access to innovative technology that improves project efficiency, enhances workplace safety and supports better decision-making. I am excited to build a business that contributes to the region’s growing industrial and technology sectors.”
– Paolo Cecchetto, Owner and Operator, Northern Sky Drone Solutions
“Northern Ontario’s mining supply and services companies develop the equipment, technology and specialized services that mining operations rely on in Ontario and around the world. MineConnect welcomes this investment, which will help northern suppliers expand their capacity, bring new products and services to market and compete for larger contracts. A stronger local supplier base supports the competitiveness of Ontario’s mining industry and creates skilled jobs in northern communities.”
– Marla Tremblay, Executive Director, MineConnect
“The mining supply and services (MSS) sector is essential to the development of critical minerals. Mines cannot be discovered, built or operated without this sector’s expertise and capabilities. To ensure Ontario has a strong, resilient MSS sector ready to support the development of its critical mineral projects, we must help these businesses, which are largely made up of small and medium-sized enterprises. This means access to growth capital, expanding their capacity and diversifying their business portfolios by pursuing international market opportunities. I applaud the Honourable Minister Pirie for recognizing the strategic importance of the MSS sector and the need to support the businesses that will help position Ontario as a critical minerals powerhouse.”
– Ryan McEachern, Managing Director, Mining Suppliers Trade Association Canada (MSTA CANADA)
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Advisory Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
Media ContactReid Alexander Media Relations |
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