Mndm Minister Gravelle Nohfc 25th Anniversary Greeting

Hello, I'm Michael Gravelle, The Chairman of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and Ontario's Minister of Northern Development and Mines. I'm extremely privileged to be here today and to have the opportunity to share our exciting plans for the next year. Beginning in June 2013, we're embarking on a year-long celebration to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the NOHFC. In 1988, the Peterson government established the NOHFC because it firmly believed that northern Ontario should have its own special fund to foster job creation, strengthen the northern economy and to be an important partner in developing northern communities. When our government took office, we built on that solid foundation and 25 years later the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund continues to be a catalyst for private sector job creation and strong economic development across our province's north. Our government has steadily increased its support for the NOHFC fund -- bringing it to an unprecedented and unmatched $100 million per year. Since October of 2003, our government, through the NOHFC has provided more than $834 million in funding to nearly 5,500 projects, helping to create or sustain over 22,000 jobs and co-op placements across northern Ontario. Through the NOHFC, we have supported and invested substantially in infrastructure renewal, emerging technologies, energy conservation, community development, industrial and business expansion, job creation, youth entrepreneurship and other engines of prosperity that, together, are helping to lay strong new economic foundations across the north. I'm certainly very excited to begin our year-long celebration and I look forward to showcasing some of the NOHFC success stories that we've witnessed through our first quarter-century of existence. The NOHFC's future is bright and we remain fully committed to supporting job creation and strengthening the economies of communities across the north. Building on our successful past, we at the NOHFC are invigorated by the promise that lies before us and the significant growth potential we see across northern Ontario. I would like to invite everyone to please join me in celebrating the NOHFC's 25th anniversary. Thank you.