Investment will strengthen the province’s workforce by supporting valuable internship experience opportunities

NORTHERN ONTARIO — The Ontario government has invested more than $5.2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) since June 2025 to connect job seekers across northern Ontario to 162 internship positions. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is building a highly skilled workforce through career development opportunities that help jobseekers launch rewarding careers and support northern Ontario’s growing economy.

“Investments in our workforce is an investment in the future of Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our government is proud to support the next generation of workers in accessing internship positions that develop job‑ready skills and provide hands‑on experience for good‑paying careers.”

Internship projects receiving NOHFC funding include:

• $35,000 for Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation to hire a Biotechnologist in Sustainable Mineral Processing who will provide biomining and bioremediation research support.
• $25,116 for Sleepy G Farm to employ a Food Safety Development Specialist who will assist in developing, implementing, overseeing and monitoring a food safety plan.
• $18,837 for Willgrove Farms Inc. to hire a Dairy Farm Hand who will support daily farm operations, including animal care and overall farm management responsibilities.

The NOHFC’s Workforce Development Program and Indigenous Workforce Development Program are designed to help people who are entering the workforce, transitioning to a new career, unemployed or underemployed. The programs help to address labour market gaps by supporting internships in key sectors, including skilled-trades industries such as construction, manufacturing and mining.

“These internships give young people and job seekers the opportunity to build practical skills, gain real-world experience and take meaningful steps into the workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By strengthening opportunities across northern Ontario, our government is building the next generation of skilled workers needed to support local communities and continue protecting Ontario.”

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 investment of an additional $30 million over 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 has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,200 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,800 jobs.

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.