Ontario Investing Over $15.6 Million to Help Job Seekers in Northeastern Ontario Start Their Careers

August 1, 2025

Investment will help hundreds of Ontarians gain valuable work experience for good-paying in-demand jobs

TIMMINS — The Government of Ontario has invested more than $15.6 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) since April 2024 to help 491 job seekers across Northeastern Ontario gain internship work experience that will help them launch rewarding careers. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is connecting people to rewarding career development opportunities to build a talented workforce that can meet the needs of Northern Ontario’s growing economy.

“Supporting ambitious job seekers and ensuring our northern businesses have highly skilled workers has never been more important as we work to build a resilient, self-reliant economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our government’s investment in these internships is setting Ontarians up for success. Whether someone’s looking to kick start their career or enter a new field, we are helping people find career success in Northern Ontario.”

Internship projects that received funding include:

$52,500 for Crawford Mechanical Limited to take on a HVAC Mechanic Apprentice who will help certified technicians inspect, service and set up air conditioners, furnaces, humidifiers and water and air-cooled systems
$26,312 for ReadyQuip Sales and Services Limited to hire a Heavy Equipment Technician Apprentice who will perform inspections on machinery, as well as identify issues with and fix equipment.

Funding was provided to organizations through the NOHFC’s Workforce Development Program, which is designed to help people who are entering the workforce, transitioning to a new career, unemployed or underemployed. The program helps to address labour market gaps by supporting internships in key sectors, such as construction, manufacturing and mining, among others.

“Through these internships, we’re giving workers in Northern Ontario a direct path to good jobs and long-term careers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By investing in practical, on-the-job experience, we’re strengthening the workforce in Timmins and across Northeastern Ontario — and making sure communities have the skilled talent they need to grow and thrive.”

Announced in June 2025, the Ontario government is refocusing the NOHFC to prioritize investments 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 recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next three years, 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’s Workforce Development Program has approved more than $90 million, leveraging more than $62 million in investment and supporting more than 2,700 work placements in Northern Ontario.

Additional Resources

The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.

Quotes

“The support from the NOHFC has been instrumental in helping us train and develop Indigenous talent through our HVAC Mechanic Intern Program. This funding allowed us to provide meaningful employment and mentorship to an Indigenous intern, supporting long-term career growth and contributing to the skilled trades workforce in Northern Ontario. We’re proud to partner with the NOHFC in building a stronger, more inclusive future.” – Connor Crawford, Co-Owner, Crawford Mechanical Limited

“Thanks to the NOHFC’s support of our Heavy Equipment Technician Apprentice Training Program, we’ve increased service capacity, grown our skilled team and enhanced service quality — ensuring customer machines run at peak performance when it matters most. Continued support for this program is vital to meeting the rising demand for skilled talent and keeping Northern Ontario’s machinery in motion. It’s about more than machines; it’s about people, progress and purpose.” – Mike Larose, President, ReadyQuip Sales and Services Limited