Summary

The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) supports Ontario’s economy, creates jobs, and improves quality of life in Ontario communities by empowering its sectors.

The tourism, culture and sport sectors are strong economic drivers for Ontario. The ministry supports tourism and cultural experiences, key attractions and agencies, the arts and cultural media industries, and champions sport and recreation participation and events across the province.

The ministry supports economic growth and improves quality of life by:

  • Delivering programming for the tourism industry, including through Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organizations.
  • Encouraging private-sector investment and new product development, supporting festivals and events, undertaking research to aid business decisions, and marketing Ontario as a tourist destination.
  • Overseeing programs supporting the cultural industries, artists and arts organizations, public libraries, community museums and not-for-profits and charities across Ontario.
  • Supporting programming for provincial amateur sport and recreation not-for-profit organizations and overseeing professional combative sport events across Ontario.
  • Taking action to address abuse in sport to support safe participation for everyone.
  • Overseeing eleven board-governed agencies, two operational transfer payment entities, and directly operating two historical tourism attractions.

The ministry funds, regulates, develops, and delivers many programs and initiatives, directly and through partners and agencies. The ministry also provides oversight to provincial agencies in the tourism and culture sectors that enhance and contribute to Ontario’s economic and social well-being. The ministry’s ongoing work and investments in its programs support and enable sector partners and stakeholders to grow their competitive advantage and achieve sustainable growth, create jobs, promote economic development and modernization, and help communities thrive and succeed by showcasing their strengths and attracting potential visitors.

Ministry program summary

Vote Program

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
3801 Ministry Administration Program 24,428,100 23,548,300 879,800 25,786,363
3803 Sport, Recreation and Community Programs 60,664,600 57,814,200 2,850,400 54,561,972
3805 Tourism and Culture Programs 92,014,900 91,534,400 480,500 319,407,012
3806 Ontario Trillium Foundation Program 103,557,000 103,557,000 - 103,557,000
3808 Ontario cultural media tax credits 1,034,448,800 906,067,300 128,381,500 884,281,438
3811 Agency Programs 209,540,300 204,111,500 5,428,800 209,860,789
  Total operating expense to be voted 1,524,653,700 1,386,632,700 138,021,000 1,597,454,574
  Statutory appropriations 83,187 83,187 - 82,635
  Ministry total operating expense 1,524,736,887 1,386,715,887 138,021,000 1,597,537,209
  Consolidation adjustment - Metro Toronto Convention Centre 55,035,800 47,015,700 8,020,100 41,586,459
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (1,589,200) (901,000) (688,200) 4,268,928
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Trillium Foundation 21,732,100 22,037,000 (304,900) 28,287,630
  Consolidation adjustment - Royal Ontario Museum 46,801,300 39,744,200 7,057,100 41,838,516
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Arts Council 8,371,100 2,011,100 6,360,000 1,037,098
  Consolidation adjustment - Niagara Parks Commission 112,497,900 89,372,900 23,125,000 84,546,953
  Consolidation adjustment - Ottawa Convention Centre 21,115,100 16,187,800 4,927,300 15,668,776
  Consolidation adjustment - Science North 12,949,700 7,096,200 5,853,500 16,760,719
  Consolidation adjustment - St. Lawrence Parks 17,983,600 14,352,700 3,630,900 15,209,364
  Consolidation adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio (1,172,000) (935,400) (236,600) (930,316)
  Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments 1,818,462,287 1,622,697,087 195,765,200 1,845,811,336

Capital expense
3801 Ministry Administration Program 4,000 4,000 - -
3804 Tourism and Culture Capital Program 85,174,400 42,668,400 42,506,000 33,435,453
3805 Tourism and Culture Programs 1,000 1,000 - -
3811 Agency Programs 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted 85,180,400 42,674,400 42,506,000 33,435,453
  Statutory appropriations 4,000 4,000 - -
  Ministry total capital expense 85,184,400 42,678,400 42,506,000 33,435,453
  Consolidation adjustment - Metro Toronto Convention Centre 11,400,000 11,000,000 400,000 10,712,565
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation 303,200 584,000 (280,800) 631,048
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Trillium Foundation 94,000 81,000 13,000 119,135
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation - - - (2,117,719)
  Consolidation adjustment - Royal Ontario Museum 14,414,400 14,100,000 314,400 10,446,832
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Arts Council 214,600 222,300 (7,700) 225,983
  Consolidation adjustment - Niagara Parks Commission 14,520,800 12,929,900 1,590,900 11,200,461
  Consolidation adjustment - Ottawa Convention Centre 5,484,100 4,830,000 654,100 2,924,802
  Consolidation adjustment - Science North 2,850,000 3,010,600 (160,600) 2,385,511
  Consolidation adjustment - St. Lawrence Parks 1,769,500 (4,530,800) 6,300,300 (2,929,663)
  Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments 136,235,000 84,905,400 51,329,600 67,034,408

Capital assets
3801 Ministry Administration Program 3,000 3,000 - -
3805 Tourism and Culture Programs 1,000 1,000 - -
3811 Agency Programs 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total capital assets to be voted 5,000 5,000 - -
  Ministry total capital assets 5,000 5,000 - -
  Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) 1,954,697,287 1,707,602,487 247,094,800 1,912,845,744

Reconciliation to previously published data

Operating expense

Estimates
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $
Total operating expense previously published footnote 1 1,406,134,687 1,635,551,003
Government reorganization    

Transfer of functions to other Ministries

 (19,418,800) (38,013,794)
Restated total operating expense 1,386,715,887 1,597,537,209
Capital expense

Estimates
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $
Total capital expense previously published footnote 2 42,678,400 53,662,653
Government reorganization    

Transfer of functions to other Ministries

 - (20,227,200)
Restated total capital expense 42,678,400 33,435,453

Ministry Administration Program - vote 3801

The Ministry Administration Program includes the Offices of the Minister, Parliamentary Assistant and Deputy Minister, as well as the Regional and Corporate Services Division, Communications Branch and Legal Services Branch. The Program works to achieve ministry and government objectives by providing strategic advice and vital support services, including communications, legal services, human resources, regional program delivery and support, strategic policy, corporate and fiscal planning, controllership activities, and information technology and business solutions. Regional and Corporate Services Division and Legal Services Branch serve multiple client ministries.

Vote summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Ministry administration 24,428,100 23,548,300 879,800 25,786,363
  Total operating expense to be voted 24,428,100 23,548,300 879,800 25,786,363
S Minister's salary, the Executive Council Act 47,841 47,841 - 49,301
S Parliamentary assistants' salaries, the Executive Council Act 32,346 32,346 - 33,334
  Total statutory appropriations 80,187 80,187 - 82,635
  Total operating expense 24,508,287 23,628,487 879,800 25,868,998

Capital expense
3 Ministry administration 4,000 4,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted 4,000 4,000 - -
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act 2,000 2,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations 2,000 2,000 - -
  Total capital expense 6,000 6,000 - -

Capital assets
2 Ministry administration 3,000 3,000 - -
  Total capital assets to be voted 3,000 3,000 - -
  Total capital assets 3,000 3,000 - -

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $ Amount $

Operating expense
3801-1 Ministry administration    
 

Salaries and wages

   17,454,200
 

Employee benefits

   1,941,900
 

Transportation and communication

   920,400
 

Services

   3,526,700
 

Supplies and equipment

   584,900
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Summer Experience Program (SEP)

   1,000
  Subtotal   24,429,100
  Less: recoveries   1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   24,428,100
  Sub-items:    
  Main office    
 

Salaries and wages

 2,651,700  
 

Employee benefits

 302,100  
 

Transportation and communication

 191,100  
 

Services

 86,300  
 

Supplies and equipment

 83,400 3,314,600
  Communications services    
 

Salaries and wages

 2,162,100  
 

Employee benefits

 348,400  
 

Transportation and communication

 48,000  
 

Services

 90,500  
 

Supplies and equipment

 121,000 2,770,000
  Information Technology    
 

Services

 1,155,100 1,155,100
  Legal services    
 

Transportation and communication

 17,500  
 

Services

 2,095,000  
 

Supplies and equipment

 12,400 2,124,900
  Regional services    
 

Salaries and wages

 6,147,400  
 

Employee benefits

 614,500  
 

Transportation and communication

 541,200  
 

Supplies and equipment

 227,100  
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Summer Experience Program (SEP)

 1,000  
 

Subtotal

 7,531,200  
 

Less: recoveries

 1,000 7,530,200
  Human resources    
 

Salaries and wages

 1,290,000  
 

Employee benefits

 91,000  
 

Transportation and communication

 24,400  
 

Services

 53,700  
 

Supplies and equipment

 26,200 1,485,300
  Financial and administrative support services    
 

Salaries and wages

 3,243,700  
 

Employee benefits

 380,200  
 

Transportation and communication

 70,000  
 

Services

 26,700  
 

Supplies and equipment

 95,300 3,815,900
  Strategic Policy Development and Planning    
 

Salaries and wages

 1,959,300  
 

Employee benefits

 205,700  
 

Transportation and communication

 28,200  
 

Services

 19,400  
 

Supplies and equipment

 19,500 2,232,100
  Total operating expense to be voted   24,428,100
  Statutory appropriations    
Statutory

Minister's salary, the Executive Council Act

   47,841
Statutory

Parliamentary assistants' salaries, the Executive Council Act

   32,346
  Total operating expense for Ministry Administration Program   24,508,287

Capital expense
3801-3 Ministry administration    
 

Other transactions

   4,000
  Total capital expense to be voted   4,000
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Amortization, the Financial Administration Act

   2,000
  Total capital expense for Ministry Administration Program   6,000

Capital assets
3801-2 Ministry administration    
 

Land

   1,000
 

Land and marine fleet - asset costs

   2,000
  Total capital assets to be voted   3,000
  Total capital assets for Ministry Administration Program   3,000

Sport, Recreation and Community Programs - vote 3803

The sport and recreation sectors are important to the physical, social and economic well-being of Ontarians. The ministry’s programs champion sport and recreation activities across the province.

The ministry leads Ontario's interests in recreation by providing funding for key partners to deliver programs that increase physical activity, including targeted supports to engage Indigenous communities; provide after school programs for children and youth; and provide coordination for provincial interests under the Ontario Trails Act, 2016.

The ministry operates the Ontario Sport Hosting Program which provides project-based funding for applicants to deliver national and international amateur sport events in Ontario. The ministry also delivers five multi-sport games under its Games Ontario brand.

Support for amateur sport is focused on participation, development and excellence in collaboration with sector partners. The goal is to support a strong sport system that promotes and increases opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities.

The ministry also has oversight and responsibility for amateur and professional combative sport and is working to make Ontario a leader in sport safety through its steps to replace the current framework with a new modern system of oversight under the Combative Sports Act, 2019, and its accompanying regulations.

Vote summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Sport, Recreation and Community 60,664,600 57,814,200 2,850,400 54,561,972
  Total operating expense to be voted 60,664,600 57,814,200 2,850,400 54,561,972
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total operating expense 60,665,600 57,815,200 2,850,400 54,561,972

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $ Amount $

Operating expense
3803-1 Sport, Recreation and Community    
 

Salaries and wages

   4,496,600
 

Employee benefits

   438,400
 

Transportation and communication

   380,200
 

Services

   713,100
 

Supplies and equipment

   408,100
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Sport Development Funds

 17,030,500  
 

Direct Athlete Supports

 3,100,000  
 

Inclusive Grassroots Recreation Grants

 3,172,000  
 

Indigenous and Youth Recreation Funds

 21,102,200  
 

Sport Events and Initiatives Grants

 9,823,500 54,228,200
  Total operating expense to be voted   60,664,600
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

   1,000
  Total operating expense for Sport, Recreation and Community Programs   60,665,600

Tourism and Culture Capital Program - vote 3804

The ministry makes capital investments in its sectors that address repair and rehabilitation considerations, drive competitiveness and sustainability, and help Ontario enhance the visitor experience and its appeal as a regional, national and international tourist and cultural destination.

Vote summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Capital expense
1 Tourism and Culture Capital 85,174,400 42,668,400 42,506,000 33,435,453
  Total capital expense to be voted 85,174,400 42,668,400 42,506,000 33,435,453
  Total capital expense 85,174,400 42,668,400 42,506,000 33,435,453

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $ Amount $

Capital expense
3804-1 Tourism and Culture Capital    
 

Services

   3,001,000
 

Supplies and equipment

   1,000
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Grants in Support of Sport and Recreation

 50,001,000  
 

Agencies and Attractions Capital Sector Support

 2,100,000  
 

Repairs and Rehabilitation Capital

 30,071,400 82,172,400
  Total capital expense to be voted   85,174,400
  Total capital expense for Tourism and Culture Capital Program   85,174,400

Tourism and Culture Programs - vote 3805

The ministry is responsible for strategic policy, programs and services, and research initiatives related to the arts, cultural industries, community museums, public libraries and tourism in Ontario. The ministry works with partners to raise the profile of Ontario as a province rich in cultural resources and attractions; encourage and promote Ontario's cultural tourism products; cultivate growth in creative industries such as film, television, book and magazine publishing, music and interactive digital media to make Ontario a leader in the knowledge-based economy; provide communities with greater access to information through their public libraries; support enhanced quality of life, community cohesion, and exposure to cultural experiences through community museums; attract private sector investment to help cultivate and grow Ontario’s regional and economic tourism profile; and provide funding to support festivals and events to enrich the lives of all Ontarians.

Vote summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating assets
1 Tourism and culture programs 92,014,900 91,534,400 480,500 319,407,012
  Total operating expense to be voted 92,014,900 91,534,400 480,500 319,407,012
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total operating expense 92,015,900 91,535,400 480,500 319,407,012

Capital expense
3 Tourism and culture programs 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted 1,000 1,000 - -
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total capital expense 2,000 2,000 - -

Capital assets
2 Tourism and culture programs 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

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $ Amount $

Operating expense
3805-1 Tourism and Culture Programs    
 

Salaries and wages

   7,953,100
 

Employee benefits

   858,000
 

Transportation and communication

   148,700
 

Services

   972,300
 

Supplies and equipment

   92,600
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Festivals Events and Attractions Grants

 19,500,000  
 

Tourism Regions Funds

 19,954,200  
 

Tourism Grants

 1,000  
 

Arts and Culture Sector Funds

 2,125,000  
 

Library Sector Statutory Supports

 22,653,400  
 

Library Sector Funds

 6,490,200  
 

Library Sector Grants

 1,000  
 

Museum Sector Statutory Supports

 4,894,600  
 

Museum Sector Grants

 1,000  
 

Arts and Culture Sector Grants

 5,870,800  
 

Tourism Investment and Development Grants

 500,000 81,991,200
  Subtotal   92,015,900
  Less: recoveries   1,000
  Total operating expense to be voted   92,014,900
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

   1,000
  Total operating expense for Tourism and Culture Programs   92,015,900

Capital expense
3805-3 Tourism and Culture Programs    
 

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 Tourism and Culture Programs   2,000

Capital assets
3805-2 Tourism and Culture Programs    
 

Land and marine fleet - asset costs

   1,000
  Total capital assets to be voted   1,000
  Total capital assets for Tourism and Culture Programs   1,000

Ontario Trillium Foundation Program - vote 3806

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector.

Vote summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Ontario Trillium Foundation 103,557,000 103,557,000 - 103,557,000
  Total operating expense to be voted 103,557,000 103,557,000 - 103,557,000
  Total operating expense 103,557,000 103,557,000 - 103,557,000

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $

Operating expense
3806-1 Ontario Trillium Foundation  
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Ontario Trillium Foundation

 103,557,000
  Total operating expense to be voted 103,557,000
  Total operating expense for Ontario Trillium Foundation Program 103,557,000

Ontario Cultural Media Tax Credits - vote 3808

Ontario's cultural media tax credits incentivize increased levels of production in the film and television, interactive digital media and book publishing industries in Ontario. The tax credits help stimulate economic activity and job creation in Ontario while also enhancing the province’s cultural profile.

The program is jointly administered by Ontario Creates, an agency of the ministry, and the Canada Revenue Agency.

Vote summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Ontario cultural media tax credits 1,034,448,800 906,067,300 128,381,500 884,281,438
  Total operating expense to be voted 1,034,448,800 906,067,300 128,381,500 884,281,438
  Total operating expense 1,034,448,800 906,067,300 128,381,500 884,281,438

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $ Amount $

Operating expense
3808-1 Ontario cultural media tax credits    
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit

 4,608,500  
 

Ontario Computer Animation and Special Effects Tax Credit

 80,432,700  
 

Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit

 322,806,900  
 

Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit

 102,027,700  
 

Ontario Production Services Tax Credit

 524,573,000 1,034,448,800
  Total operating expense to be voted   1,034,448,800
  Total operating expense for Ontario Cultural Media Tax Credits   1,034,448,800

Agency Programs - vote 3811

The ministry's attractions and agencies promote the cultural fabric of Ontario as well as its economic growth and job creation by offering a range of educational, recreational, cultural and entertainment programs for residents and visitors. The Agency Program is responsible for governance, appointments, accountability and oversight of operating and capital funding for agencies and attractions within the ministry's portfolio, including two directly operated attractions.

Vote summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Agency Programs 209,540,300 204,111,500 5,428,800 209,860,789
  Total operating expense to be voted 209,540,300 204,111,500 5,428,800 209,860,789
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total operating expense 209,541,300 204,112,500 5,428,800 209,860,789

Capital expense
3 Agency Programs 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total capital expense to be voted 1,000 1,000 - -
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total capital expense 2,000 2,000 - -

Capital assets
2 Agency Programs 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

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount $ Amount $

Operating expense
3811-1 Agency Programs    
 

Salaries and wages

   7,583,600
 

Employee benefits

   1,061,000
 

Transportation and communication

   161,200
 

Services

   1,898,800
 

Supplies and equipment

   809,800
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Art Gallery of Ontario

 21,072,300  
 

Royal Ontario Museum

 27,280,900  
 

McMichael Canadian Collection

 3,328,800  
 

Science North

 6,828,900  
 

Ontario Arts Council

 59,937,400  
 

Ontario Media Development Corporation

 35,450,300  
 

St. Lawrence Parks Commission

 7,122,800  
 

Agencies and Attractions Sector Support

 1,000  
 

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation

 32,967,500  
 

Royal Botanical Gardens

 4,036,000 198,025,900
  Total operating expense to be voted   209,540,300
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

   1,000
  Total operating expense for Agency Programs   209,541,300

Capital expense
3811-3 Agency Programs    
 

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 Agency Programs   2,000

Capital assets
3811-2 Agency Programs    
 

Land and marine fleet - asset costs

   1,000
  Total capital assets to be voted   1,000
  Total capital assets for Agency Programs   1,000