Summary

As the regional ministry for Northern Ontario and the ministry responsible for the provincial minerals sector, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines strives to make Northern Ontario and the provincial minerals sector strong, healthy and prosperous.

The Ministry leads and coordinates government programs aimed at growing the Northern Ontario economy, building strong northern communities, promoting trade and investment, creating job opportunities and developing the North’s transportation and telecommunication infrastructure. Through the Ministry’s network of offices and strategic program and policy development, the Ministry ensures northern partners including municipalities, Aboriginal communities, northern organizations, industry and the northern public have access to government economic development programs and services and a voice in government decisions affecting the North.

As the sectoral ministry for the provincial minerals sector, the Ministry helps build a strong, safe and sustainable Ontario by promoting investment and exploration, by providing information to global clients on Ontario’s wealth of mineral resources and through the fair, effective and efficient administration of Ontario’s Mining Act. The Ministry delivers geoscience information for all regions of the province in support of a range of provincial development, planning, environmental, energy, and climate change policy priorities. The Ministry also encourages and facilitates aboriginal participation in Ontario’s economy, administers Ontario’s diamond royalty and ensures safe, environmentally sound mineral development and rehabilitation of mining lands.

As the lead Ministry providing support for policy and program development and implementation on a range of issues and opportunities with respect to development in the area known as the Ring of Fire, the Ministry works with all parties involved, consulting Northerners, including Aboriginal people and the mining community, to encourage responsible, sustainable development.

Ministry Program Summary

Operating expense

Vote Program Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2201 Ministry Administration Program $13,718,600 $13,291,500 $427,100 $11,372,603
2202 Northern Development Program $251,879,200 $267,164,900 ($15,285,700) $226,350,938
2203 Mines and Minerals Program $69,063,600 $53,637,300 $15,426,300 $40,886,934
  Total operating expense to be voted $334,661,400 $334,093,700 $567,700 $278,610,475
  Statutory appropriations $567,014 $3,067,014 ($2,500,000) $20,241,993
  Ministry total operating expense $335,228,414 $337,160,714 ($1,932,300) $298,852,468
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Northland Transportation Commission $65,218,000 $69,846,100 ($4,628,100) $155,496,834
  Consolidation adjustment - Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation ($10,400,800) ($10,679,000) $278,200 $11,417,000
  Total including consolidation and other adjustments $390,045,614 $396,327,814 ($6,282,200) $465,766,302

Operating assets

Vote Program Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2201 Ministry Administration Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
2202 Northern Development Program $101,000 $261,000 ($160,000) $10,000,000
2203 Mines and Minerals Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total operating assets to be voted $103,000 $263,000 ($160,000) $10,000,000
  Ministry total operating assets $103,000 $263,000 ($160,000) $10,000,000

Capital expense

Vote Program Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2201 Ministry Administration Program $1,000 $1,000 - $1,310,189
2202 Northern Development Program $126,486,300 $125,029,000 $1,457,300 $123,986,603
2203 Mines and Minerals Program $46,002,000 $5,002,000 $41,000,000 $4,936,218
  Total capital expense to be voted $172,489,300 $130,032,000 $42,457,300 $130,233,010
  Statutory appropriations $257,679,300 $259,485,000 ($1,805,700) $249,692,988
  Ministry total capital expense $430,168,600 $389,517,000 $40,651,600 $379,925,998
  Consolidation adjustment - Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation $3,700 $3,700 - ($3,391,280)
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Northland Transportation Commission ($29,509,100) ($29,186,000) ($323,100) ($38,768,613)
  Total including consolidation and other adjustments $400,663,200 $360,334,700 $40,328,500 $337,766,105

Capital assets

Vote Program Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2201 Ministry Administration Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
2202 Northern Development Program $550,184,100 $579,601,000 ($29,416,900) $492,585,089
2203 Mines and Minerals Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital assets to be voted $550,186,100 $579,603,000 ($29,416,900) $492,585,089
  Ministry total capital assets $550,186,100 $579,603,000 ($29,416,900) $492,585,089
  Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) $790,708,814 $756,662,514 $34,046,300 $803,532,407

Ministry Administration Program - vote 2201

This program provides executive direction as well as strategic business and resource planning services to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of ministry programs. It supports ministry operations through the provision of advice and services in the areas of human resources, financial planning, accounting and administration, and professional support services such as legal and audit services. It also provides core strategic support in the areas of corporate policy and communications.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
1 Ministry Administration $13,718,600 $13,291,500 $427,100 $11,372,603
  Total operating expense to be voted $13,718,600 $13,291,500 $427,100 $11,372,603
S Minister’s salary, the Executive Council Act $47,841 $47,841 - $49,301
S Parliamentary Assistant’s salary, the Executive Council $16,173 $16,173 - $12,824
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations $65,014 $65,014 - $62,125
  Total operating expense $13,783,614 $13,356,514 $427,100 $11,434,728

Operating assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2 Ministry Administration Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total operating assets $1,000 $1,000 - -

Capital expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
3 Ministry Administration $1,000 $1,000 - $1,310,189
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - $1,310,189
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital expense $2,000 $2,000 - $1,310,189

Capital assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
4 Ministry Administration capital assets $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital assets to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital assets $1,000 $1,000 - -

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount
2201-1 Ministry Administration    
  Salaries and wages   $7,410,900
  Employee benefits   $903,300
  Transportation and communication   $542,300
  Services   $10,760,100
  Supplies and equipment   $295,600
  Subtotal   $19,912,200
  Less: recoveries   $6,193,600
  Total operating expense to be voted   $13,718,600
  Sub-items:    
  Main office    
  Salaries and wages $1,691,000  
  Employee benefits $187,000  
  Transportation and communication $184,100  
  Services $108,500  
  Supplies and equipment $68,800 $2,239,400
  Financial and administrative services    
  Salaries and wages $1,819,100  
  Employee benefits $229,300  
  Transportation and communication $136,100  
  Services $6,946,100  
  Supplies and equipment $119,600  
  Subtotal $9,250,200  
  Less: recoveries $5,721,800 $3,528,400
  Human resources    
  Salaries and wages $1,293,700  
  Employee benefits $233,700  
  Transportation and communication $50,300  
  Services $117,900  
  Supplies and equipment $26,200 $1,721,800
  Communications services    
  Salaries and wages $1,544,100  
  Employee benefits $159,300  
  Transportation and communication $85,600  
  Services $297,900  
  Supplies and equipment $35,000 $2,121,900
  Analysis and planning    
  Salaries and wages $1,063,000  
  Employee benefits $94,000  
  Transportation and communication $48,200  
  Services $56,400  
  Supplies and equipment $14,400 $1,276,000
  Legal services    
  Transportation and communication $38,000  
  Services $1,842,300  
  Supplies and equipment $31,600 $1,911,900
  Audit services    
  Services $145,000 $145,000
  Information systems    
  Services $1,246,000  
  Less: recoveries $471,800 $774,200
  Total operating expense to be voted   $13,718,600
  Statutory appropriations    
Statutory Minister’s salary, the Executive Council Act   $47,841
Statutory Parliamentary Assistant’s salary, the Executive Council Act   $16,173
  Statutory appropriations    
  Other transactions    
Statutory Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act   $1,000
  Total operating Expense for Ministry Administration Program   $13,783,614

Operating assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
2201-2 Ministry Administration Program  
  Deposits and prepaid expenses $1,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000
  Total operating assets for Ministry Administration Program $1,000

Capital expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
2201-3 Ministry Administration  
  Other transactions $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000
  Statutory appropriations  
  Other transactions  
Statutory Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $1,000
  Total capital expense for Ministry Administration Program $2,000

Capital assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
2201-4 Ministry Administration capital assets  
  Machinery and equipment - asset costs $1,000
  Total capital assets to be voted $1,000
  Total capital assets for Ministry Administration Program $1,000

Northern Development Program - vote 2202

This program leads and assists in the development and delivery of policies, programs and services that support Northern Ontario businesses and communities. In addition, the program strives to make Northern Ontario strong, healthy and prosperous by providing business and community economic development support and access to government programs and services, promoting trade and investment, and answering northern regional and local infrastructure needs. It also co-leads the implementation of the government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario through the coordination of provincial economic development initiatives in the North.

The program provides support for policy and program development and implementation on a range of issues and opportunities with respect to Northern Ontario. By engaging Northerners in government initiatives, including policy and planning activities, this program also ensures Northerners have a say in the development of government programs and services that affect them. The program is responsible for applying a Northern lens for policy review and development and champions Northern Ontario interests to further economic development.

This program invests in Northern Ontario infrastructure to support government priorities. Strategic investments in infrastructure such as the Northern Highways Program and telecommunications and information technology are improving the North’s linkages to the rest of Ontario, Canada and beyond.

The program area provides economic development support to Northern Ontario businesses and communities. Through this program, the Ministry’s network of offices provides northern communities and businesses with access to government economic development programs and services. Ministry programs work to attract trade and investment opportunities to help northern businesses develop and expand domestic and international markets. The Ministry also helps public and private sector economic growth, diversification and job creation through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and initiatives such as the Northern Industrial Electricity Rate Program.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
1 Northern economic development $251,879,200 $267,164,900 ($15,285,700) $226,350,938
  Total operating expense to be voted $251,879,200 $267,164,900 ($15,285,700) $226,350,938
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act $101,000 $2,601,000 ($2,500,000) $20,162,869
  Total statutory appropriations $101,000 $2,601,000 ($2,500,000) $20,162,869
  Total operating expense $251,980,200 $269,765,900 ($17,785,700) $246,513,807

Operating assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
3 Northern development operating assets $101,000 $261,000 ($160,000) $10,000,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $101,000 $261,000 ($160,000) $10,000,000
  Total operating assets $101,000 $261,000 ($160,000) $10,000,000

Capital expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2 Northern economic development $126,486,300 $125,029,000 $1,457,300 $123,986,603
  Total capital expense to be voted $126,486,300 $125,029,000 $1,457,300 $123,986,603
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $257,677,300 $259,483,000 ($1,805,700) $249,692,988
  Total statutory appropriations $257,677,300 $259,483,000 ($1,805,700) $249,692,988
  Total capital expense $384,163,600 $384,512,000 ($348,400) $373,679,591

Capital assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
4 Northern development capital assets $550,184,100 $579,601,000 ($29,416,900) $492,585,089
  Total capital assets to be voted $550,184,100 $579,601,000 ($29,416,900) $492,585,089
  Total capital assets $550,184,100 $579,601,000 ($29,416,900) $492,585,089

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount
2202-1 Northern economic development    
  Salaries and wages   $10,643,000
  Employee benefits   $1,472,400
  Transportation and communication   $828,900
  Services   $10,173,600
  Supplies and equipment   $234,200
  Transfer payments    
  Community services $625,000  
  Economic development $830,000  
  Summer jobs service $3,360,000  
  Ontario Northland Transportation Commission $34,992,000  
  Owen Sound Transportation Company $2,363,000  
  Go North Investor Program $500,000  
  Northern Ontario Heritage Fund $60,000,000  
  Small business enterprise centres $700,000  
  Northern Industrial Electricity Rate Program $120,000,000  
  Aboriginal economic development $13,400,000  
  Industrial support - special assistance $5,000,000  
  Northern ontario municipal associations $100,000 $241,870,000
  Subtotal   $265,222,100
  Less: recoveries   $13,342,900
  Total operating expense to be voted   $251,879,200
  Statutory appropriations    
  Other transactions    
Statutory Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act   $101,000
  Total operating expense for Northern Development Program   $251,980,200

Operating assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
2202-3 Northern development operating assets  
  Deposits and prepaid expenses $1,000
  Loans and investments $100,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $101,000
  Total operating assets for Northern Development Program $101,000

Capital expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount
2202-2 Northern economic development    
  Services   $25,102,000
  Transfer payments    
  Winter roads $5,500,000  
  Ontario Northland Transportation Commission $47,103,300  
  Owen Sound Transportation Company $5,680,000  
  Northern Ontario Heritage Fund $40,000,000 $98,283,300
  Other transactions    
  Resource access roads $3,100,000  
  Northern development $1,000 $3,101,000
  Total capital expense to be voted   $126,486,300
  Statutory appropriations    
  Other transactions    
Statutory Amortization, the Financial Administration Act   $257,677,300
  Total capital expense for Northern Development Program   $384,163,600

Capital assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
2202-4 Northern development capital assets  
  Transportation infrastructure - asset costs $550,183,100
  Machinery and equipment - asset costs $1,000
  Total capital assets to be voted $550,184,100
  Total capital assets for Northern Development Program $550,184,100

Mines and Minerals Program - vote 2203

This program encourages, promotes and facilitates the sustained economic benefits of Ontario’s mineral resources through its oversight of Ontario’s mineral exploration and development sector. It promotes a strong, safe and sustainable Ontario by administering Ontario’s Mining Act in a fair and consistent manner, to ensure sustainable and responsible development of our mineral resources. This involves ensuring equitable public access to Crown mineral rights, fair and efficient management of Ontario’s mining lands as well as ensuring the safe, environmentally sound mineral development and rehabilitation of mining lands.

It also has responsibility for encouraging and facilitating Aboriginal participation in Ontario’s economy in a way that is respectful of Aboriginal rights and culture and meets Ontario’s consultation obligations.

The program also generates and disseminates geoscientific data that attracts and guides mineral sector investment and informs a broad range of government policy priorities.

It administers the Ontario Diamond Royalty Regulation, values rough stones for export, and works with industry partners to pursue value-added opportunities throughout the diamond industry.

This program also provides support for policy and program development and implementation on a range of issues and opportunities with respect to development in the Ring of Fire. A dedicated secretariat works with all parties involved, consulting with Northerners including Aboriginal people and the mining community to encourage the region’s responsible, sustainable development.

Vote summary

Operating expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
1 Mineral sector competitiveness $69,063,600 $53,637,300 $15,426,300 $40,886,934
  Total operating expense to be voted $69,063,600 $53,637,300 $15,426,300 $40,886,934
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act $401,000 $401,000 - $16,999
  Total statutory appropriations $401,000 $401,000 - $16,999
  Total operating expense $69,464,600 $54,038,300 $15,426,300 $40,903,933

Operating assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
3 Mines and minerals operating assets $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total operating assets $1,000 $1,000 - -

Capital expense

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
2 Mineral sector competitiveness $46,001,000 $5,001,000 $41,000,000 $4,936,218
5 Environmental remediation $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted $46,002,000 $5,002,000 $41,000,000 $4,936,218
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital expense $46,003,000 $5,003,000 $41,000,000 $4,936,218

Capital assets

Item number Item Estimates 2016‑17 Estimates 2015‑16 Difference between 2016‑17 and 2015‑16 Actual 2014‑15
4 Mines and minerals capital assets $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital assets to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total capital assets $1,000 $1,000 - -

Standard account by item and sub-items

Operating expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount
2203-1 Mineral sector competitiveness    
  Salaries and wages   $22,953,200
  Employee benefits   $3,080,200
  Transportation and communication   $2,238,500
  Services   $33,308,400
  Supplies and equipment   $2,550,900
  Transfer payments    
  Mapping ontario’s geological opportunities $100,000  
  Reporting ontario’s mining activities $85,000  
  Focused flow-through share tax credit $3,377,400  
  Ring of fire infrastructure development corporation $2,000,000 $5,562,400
  Subtotal   $69,693,600
  Less: recoveries   $630,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   $69,063,600
  Statutory appropriations    
  Other transactions    
Statutory Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act   $401,000
  Total operating Expense for Mines and Minerals Program   $69,464,600

Operating assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
2203-3 Mines and minerals operating assets  
  Deposits and prepaid expenses $1,000
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000
  Total operating assets for Mines and Minerals Program $1,000

Capital expense

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
2203-2 Mineral sector competitiveness  
  Transportation and communication $50,000
  Services $44,875,000
  Supplies and equipment $1,075,000
  Other transactions $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted $46,001,000
2203-5 Environmental remediation  
  Services $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000
  Statutory appropriations  
  Other transactions  
Statutory Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $1,000
  Total capital expense for Mines and Minerals Program $46,003,000

Capital assets

Vote-item number Standard account by item and sub-items Amount
2203-4 Mines and minerals capital assets  
  Machinery and equipment - asset costs $1,000
  Total capital assets to be voted $1,000
  Total capital assets for Mines and Minerals Program $1,000