Published plans and annual reports 2015-16: Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

Ministry overview

Mandate

The Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure (MEDEI) works to strengthen job creation and growth at home while increasing competitiveness abroad. The Ministry collaborates closely with private and public sector partners to make Ontario a smart place to invest, develop key industry clusters, foster an efficient and streamlined business climate and grow a strong, innovative economy that is inclusive to people of all abilities. Strategic infrastructure investments underpin our quality of life and provide the foundation for business growth.

Ontario is a leader in accessibility. Our province’s goal is to be accessible by 2025. The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO) supports our province’s commitment to creating a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from economic growth and prosperity. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act has made Ontario the first jurisdiction in the world to mandate accessibility training and reporting. Accessibility has the potential to generate billions of dollars in new spending for Ontario’s tourism and retail sectors. MEDEI is focused on continuing to build partnerships and create more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) supports the full cycle of research, innovation and entrepreneurship — from scientific discoveries to translating those discoveries into commercial use. Supporting and preparing our researchers, entrepreneurs and firms to succeed, compete and create jobs of the future, supports the government’s plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

The Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) and the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure (MEDEI) further these mandates through four priorities, they are:

• supportive and dynamic business environment
• modernized infrastructure and transportation networks
• increased talent and skills among Ontarians
• a healthier population

The following chart summarizes the results, strategies, programs, activities and results of our work under these priorities. Further details follow.

Priorities, key results, strategies and major programs and activities

Ministry programs and activities

The following are the major programs and services delivered by the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure and Research and Innovation:

Global competitiveness and investment attraction

The Ministry works with companies in key sectors to attract and encourage strategic investments in the province. This includes proactively targeting investment opportunities, ensuring early engagement, building strong relationships, tailoring value propositions and promoting the many strengths of doing business in Ontario.

The new Jobs and Prosperity Fund (JPF) supports the recommendations of the Jobs and Prosperity Council to bolster innovation, increase productivity and increase Ontario’s reach in the global market. The JPF is a 10-year, $2.7 billion fund to support a dynamic and innovative business climate, improve productivity and market access for Ontario companies and sectors. The JPF was officially launched on January 7, 2015 and provides support to key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defence, automotive and information and communications technology. Most recently, eligibility was extended to the forestry sector as part of the 2015 Budget.

The Jobs and Prosperity Fund has three distinct streams with each stream having its own application process. These streams are:

• The New Economy Stream (by invitation) — to build R&D capacity, improve private-sector productivity, performance and competitiveness, and support innovative businesses in expanding their market.
• The Strategic Partnerships Stream (by invitation) — to help entrepreneurs, companies, research institutions, customers and investors work together to strengthen Ontario firms and our ability to compete globally.
• Food and Beverage Growth Fund (by invitation) — to support food, beverage and bio-product manufacturing projects that will help create and retain jobs, strengthen supply chains, increase market access, and increase innovation and productivity.

The Investment Ready: Certified Site Program, launched in 2013, provides grants and international marketing assistance to land owners who undertake due diligence work on industrial land. Increased information about a property reduces the risk involved in real estate transactions, and ultimately fosters faster site selection and investment decisions. These sites will create an inventory of pre-qualified, industrial properties that will be promoted internationally to site selectors and investors as well as utilized by staff at federal, provincial and local levels in their investment attraction efforts. Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada with a province-wide site certification program.

To date, the Investment Ready Program has certified 6 sites including 2 in Eastern Ontario, and 1 privately-owned site. There are approximately 40 applications completing the certification process at this time. The Program was launched internationally at two key events that target global sites selectors, industrial real estate and asset management professionals.

The Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund (SJIF) and Strategic Investments (SI) ­ provide grants and loans to attract investment in leading edge projects that will build strategic capacity and cluster development as well as create new high-value-added jobs. SJIF was officially closed to new applications/proposals in 2012. The program provides flexible strategic investment support for business so that Ontario can successfully compete against other jurisdictions to attract investments in leading edge priority sectors including clean/green technologies; financial services; information and communication technology; and life sciences sectors of Ontario’s economy.

The Ministry provides leadership in strengthening and broadening Ontario’s profile as a compelling jurisdiction for foreign investment and trade; assisting Ontario small and medium-sized enterprises and leading edge innovators to achieve business growth through international market expansion; attracting foreign companies to invest in the province with the goal of creating jobs in key strategic sectors; and forging mutually beneficial research, commercialization and business partnerships.

Three of the Ministry’s programs (Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy, Next Generation of Jobs Fund and Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy), while no longer open to applications, were part of the government’s economic development strategy to stimulate economic growth and create a sustainable and globally competitive workplace for Ontarians.

As well, the Ministry uses a highly targeted multifaceted marketing program including advertising, media relations, direct and interactive marketing and social media to increase the awareness of Ontario’s economic business advantages.

Regional economic and small business development

The Ministry leads regional economic development in Ontario through the new Partnerships for Jobs and Growth Act, which is focused on key economic clusters, strategic investment in key regions of the province and managing relationships with stakeholders.

The Partnerships for Jobs and Growth Act, 2014 came into force on April 1, 2015, and is focused on giving legislated authority to economic cluster plans developed by businesses and other cluster partners in collaboration with Ontario.

Clusters, which are geographically concentrated groups of interconnected businesses and related entities, can perform an important function in regional economic development by increasing productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

Ontario can act as a catalyst to spur the development of clusters. By working with businesses and other entities to develop, publish and review plans with respect to the development of clusters, Ontario can promote the growth of jobs and the economy.

Key programs, delivered at the local level through the Ministry’s Business Advisory Services 12 regional offices, include:

Eastern Ontario Development Fund continues to support projects that create and retain jobs, encourage the introduction of new technologies, assist private sector firms, communities and sector groups to pursue growth in new markets, improve their competitive position, and ultimately, contribute to the diversification of the economy of Eastern Ontario. This includes the 15 geographic areas east of Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes and Muskoka (Muskoka was added as an eligible region in 2013) as well as Ottawa. The Fund provides grants and loans to businesses and not-for-profit organizations to support projects that will attract investment and support job creation in the region.

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund supports projects in the 18 geographic areas of Southwestern Ontario that create and retain jobs, encourage the introduction of new technologies, assist private sector firms, communities and sector groups to pursue growth in new markets and improve their competitive position of the region. Simcoe County was added to the list of eligible areas in 2013. The Fund supports the attraction and retention of employment, investment, and promotes innovation, and cluster development and collaborations in the region.

Communities in Transition supports communities and industry sectors facing economic development challenges, significant job losses and industry-wide restructuring by assisting recipients to set strategies, build capacity and implement  new economic development initiatives.

Accessibility in Ontario

Through the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, the Ministry is at the forefront of the government’s plan to make Ontario accessible for people with disabilities by 2025. Key programs include:

Supporting the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee (ASAC/SDC), which provides advice to the government on accessibility initiatives, including the development of new accessibility standards and mandatory review of existing standards after they are enacted. The Directorate’s support to ASAC/SDC includes coordinating the process to appoint members, conducting research, analyzing issues, gathering input from stakeholders and logistical / secretariat support for meetings. A review of the Customer Service Standard was completed in 2014 by the ASAC/SDC, and government is currently considering their recommended changes to the Standard. The Directorate will continue to provide support to ASAC/SDC as it undertakes future reviews of existing accessibility standards, including the review of the Transportation Standard beginning in fall 2015 and potentially the development of any new standards.

The Directorate also provided support to Mayo Moran as she conducted the second legislative review of the AODA.

The Directorate supports government responses to all reviews and obtains necessary approvals to enact changes resulting from the reviews. In addition, the Directorate supports the Minister’s tabling of the AODA Annual Report in the Legislature.

June 2015 will mark the tenth anniversary of the AODA. In addition to a number of anniversary celebration events, the Directorate is working with other ministries to outline a path forward to an accessible Ontario by 2025, highlighting initiatives to strengthen the Act and its standards, encourage accessibility leadership across Ontario, and engage employers and businesses to embrace the economic value of accessibility.

Through public education and outreach the Directorate raises awareness about Ontario’s accessibility standards and supports businesses and other organizations with compliance. Activities include: participating in a variety of conferences and speaking engagements, both in person and online, around the province; providing free tools and resources on the Ministry’s website; responding to individual enquiries through a dedicated helpdesk; promoting accessibility and compliance through the Ministry’s YouTube, Twitter and Facebook channels; and administering the EnAbling Change Program, which funds umbrella organizations to educate an industry/sector on their obligations under the AODA.

The Directorate uses a modern approach to oversee AODA compliance with accessibility standards by utilizing range of compliance and enforcement tools. These include public education strategies and self-certified compliance reports, as well as audits and inspections. In 2014, the Directorate continued monitoring compliance with accessibility requirements that are in effect and provided assistance to organizations that were found to be non-compliant. Enforcement action was pursued where warranted.

Infrastructure planning

The Ministry is responsible for leading the development of the province’s long-term infrastructure plan and prioritizing the government’s infrastructure investments to support Ontario’s economic development priorities.

The Ministry develops policy to refine the government’s Alternative Financing and Procurement model.

The Ministry leads negotiations with the federal government on cost-shared infrastructure programs under the new Building Canada Fund.

The permanent Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund provides small, rural and northern municipalities with stable, annual funding to build and repair critical infrastructure.

The Ministry is leading the creation of a new Natural Gas Access Loan and Natural Gas Economic Development Grant to expand natural gas to underserved communities across Ontario, with support from the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Realty planning, development and management

The Ministry is mandated to set the government’s policy direction for one of the largest realty portfolio in Canada:

• The Government Real Estate Portfolio contains 4,416 owned buildings and 152,868 acres of land as of March 31, 2015.
• The Forfeited Corporate Property portfolio is estimated to contain tens of thousands of potentially forfeited corporate properties.

The Ministry has a policy-led, three-point plan to transform the government’s approach to realty management and is focused on:

1. Ensuring safe and sustainable buildings.
2. Right-sizing the portfolio.
3. Providing for an efficient and effective delivery model.

As part of its responsibilities, it is responsible for acquiring, managing, and disposing of realty assets, as well as overseeing its realty delivery agent, the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (Infrastructure Ontario) in the support of the government’s policy and program delivery.

In this role, the ministry and Infrastructure Ontario provide expert real estate advice and services to all of Ontario’s ministries and some agencies. Today, the ministry is achieving a number of Ontario’s environmental and policy objectives through asset optimization, effectively managing and deploying realty assets as well as reducing liabilities. The provision of accessible justice and social infrastructure and workspaces for Ontario public servants is a core function.

The Ministry’s realty is used to support delivery of government programs and policies and when it is no longer required for government purposes, its value can be recycled through reuse and redevelopment or can be sold to generate revenue, provide a social benefit, and be put back into productive use by the private sector. The management, redeployment and sale or transfer of properties is part of a broader, long-term strategy set out by the government to manage the Province’s realty assets in the most efficient and effective manner. To implement the strategy, Infrastructure Ontario develops asset plans, portfolio plans, sales plans and demolition plans for the diversity of realty and follows streamlined and targeted processes for optimal results.

The Ministry is responsible for the oversight of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation. Its mandate is to carry out the tri-government Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative to revitalize and transform Toronto’s waterfront into beautiful, sustainable new communities, parks and public spaces, and to foster economic growth in knowledge-based, creative industries.

Youth programs and services

The Ministry provides opportunities for Ontario’s youth, ages 15 to 29, to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career option and develop business skills through a range of programs, services, partnerships and grants. Key programs include:

• Summer Company provides students aged 15 to 29 with hands on business training, mentoring and up to $3,000 to start and run their own summer business.
• Ontario Global Edge provides postsecondary students aged 19 to 29 with a hands-on opportunity to experience international business in a small and medium enterprise, start-up business and economic development organizations around the world.
• The Youth Entrepreneurship Partnerships program provides funding to non-profit organizations to deliver entrepreneurial projects and activities to Ontario youth aged 12 – 29.

Tools developed to explore entrepreneurship include:

• Future Entrepreneurs is a curriculum support toolkit introducing Grade 7 to 10 students to entrepreneurship through role models, case studies and activities.
• The Business Plan Wizard is an e-learning application that teaches Grade 7 to 12 students how to develop a business plan in a fun and interactive way.

The Youth Jobs Strategy (YJS) announced in the 2013 Ontario Budget is a government initiative that promotes employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and innovation for youth in Ontario. The province renewed the Ontario Youth Jobs Strategy in 2015.

The renewed Strategy will build on successes to date and through a comprehensive suite of programs and services that are tailored to the needs of youth and industry with a focus on skills development, labour market connections, entrepreneurship and innovation.

The renewed Strategy will focus on three areas and include the following proposed programs:

Labour Skills Connections

• Youth Skills Connections: Facilitating projects that will train youth to fill skill gaps identified by industry with priority on certifiable, industry-recognized and transferable skills.

Entrepreneurship

• Summer Company: Increasing the number of opportunities for students to receive hands on business training, mentoring and up to $3,000 to start and run their own summer business.
• Starter Company: Helping youth to launch “Main Street” businesses in their communities with training, mentorship, and start-up grants.
• Youth Entrepreneurship Experiences: Combining successful elements of previous youth entrepreneurship initiatives to support diverse entrepreneurship programming across the province that responds to local needs, builds capacity, responds to government priorities and fills gaps in programming.

Innovation

• Youth Business Acceleration Program supports the development of technology companies by young entrepreneurs.
• SmartStart Seed Fund provides initial investment seed stage grants of up to $35,000 to enable promising youth-led ventures to reach early milestones in creating and growing their start-ups.
• Youth Investment Acceleration Fund supports the growth of emerging technology companies led by young entrepreneurs by providing investment capital of up to $250,000.
• Campus-Linked Accelerators (CLA), On-Campus Entrepreneurship Activities (OCEA), are newly launched innovation and technology commercialization focused initiatives designed to harness Ontario’s youth (students) as a means to convert knowledge and discovery into economic impact through cultivating their entrepreneurial and business skills, and providing them with the real world experience they need to develop into Ontario’s next generation of innovators.
• TalentEdge (Internship and Fellowship Programs) program provides opportunities for post-secondary students, PhD fellows and recent graduates to work on collaborative R&D projects between their academic institution and industry. Companies gain access to highly skilled young people, and universities and colleges have the opportunity to establish a greater working relationship with industry.

Innovation in Ontario

The Ministry promotes innovation in Ontario through initiatives that help entrepreneurs and companies with high-growth potential transform leading ideas and discoveries into tomorrow’s technologies, products and services. Some key programs include:

Commercialization and Innovation Network Support (CINS) provides funding for a suite of commercialization support services delivered through MaRS, the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), the Regional Innovation Centres (RICs), and other members of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE). The programming provided is a vital component in the delivery of Ontario’s innovation agenda and helps ensure that Ontario innovators have every opportunity to generate new business, companies and jobs within the province. CINS also provides educational and funding programs which focus on strengthening entrepreneurial talent, creating globally competitive businesses and support innovators throughout their process.

Funding under CINS also includes continued Ministry support for The Communitech Hub, an accelerator for digital media and mobile companies that serves as the physical focal point for the Waterloo region’s innovation and technology commercialization eco-system.

The Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE) is a provincial initiative to transform the forest products industry in Northern Ontario. The Centre is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that partners closely with other relevant organizations to provide support to turn research and innovative business opportunities into operational realities.

The Northleaf Venture Catalyst Fund (NVCF) is a venture capital partnership between Ontario, the federal government and institutional investors that helps companies access the capital they need to grow and create jobs. Using a fund-of-funds model, similar to the Ministry’s successful Ontario Venture Capital Fund, NVCF had its third closing with a total value of $264 million in commitments in May 2015. The Fund’s value could rise to $300 million as additional private sector partners invest in the fund. NVCF has already made commitments to six venture capital funds and invested directly in five companies.

Entrepreneurship in Ontario

The Ministry leads entrepreneurship and small business development by providing information, expertise and support to entrepreneurs and early stage businesses. Key programs include:

The Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) — a collaborative initiative that connects a full-spectrum of government programs, services and resources to help companies start, grow and succeed across three client groups in Ontario’s economy:

• Innovation and Technology based companies
  • Regional Innovation Centres (RICs) provide specialized assistance in 18 regions across the province to accelerate start-up and growth of entrepreneurial talent and globally-competitive innovative companies with value-added advice, access to capital, market intelligence, mentoring, and peer networking programs.
• Main Street” small businesses
  • Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) provide support through 57 locations across the province to keep the new business pipeline full; foster sector and cluster development; and support growth of local businesses, notably businesses operating for less than five years.
  • ONE Network, RICSs and SBECs provide support to a range of social entrepreneurs and social enterprises.
• High-Growth small and medium enterprises – Business Advisory Services (see additional information below)
  • Each of these centres/personnel offer tailored programs, services and resources to assist the entire range of business clients — from “main street” businesses to technology-based innovators and from local to global operations.

The Ministry also supports promoting ICT adoption and e-commerce opportunities among Ontario small and medium enterprises to enable them to compete in the global economy.

High growth small and medium enterprises

The Ministry provides support for Ontario’s existing and aspiring high growth firms through “hands on” business development expertise and services.

Business Advisory Services – Through its 26 senior business advisors in twelve offices across Southern Ontario, the Ministry works directly with existing and aspiring high growth firms producing tradable goods or services. Through in-depth consultations and potential application of a range of public and private sector resources, business advisors help companies grow their domestic and export sales, improve their competitiveness and productivity, source capital for expansion and develop plans for continued advancement.

Business Development – Energy Connections, Wisdom Exchange, Leading Growth Firm Reports and Probe for Innovation and Manufacturing provide help by connecting growing small and medium enterprises directly to opportunities in new markets, providing tools to increase productivity and sustainability and delivering resources to improve SME executive development.

Research in Ontario

The Ministry supports and promotes research in Ontario by leading key strategies and programs that ensure Ontario is globally competitive in the creation and adoption of new ideas and technology. Key programs include:

The Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence provides researchers with the support to undertake cutting-edge research and promotes research excellence in Ontario by supporting transformative, internationally significant research of strategic value to the province. The Fund focuses on scientific excellence and strong commercialization potential and targets new, leading edge research initiatives. The program fosters increased collaboration and partnerships between research institutions and industry.

The Ontario Research Fund – Research Infrastructure supports the modernization, development and acquisition of new research infrastructure. The Fund ensures researchers have the funds to invest in state-of-the art equipment and facilities which enable research institutions to attract the best talent and create capacity to conduct world-leading research

Through the Early Researcher Awards, the Ministry helps promising, recently-appointed Ontario researchers build their research teams. The program encourages applications from a diverse range of disciplines including life sciences, clean technologies, ICT, social sciences and arts and humanities. It helps Ontario research institutions attract and retain the next generation of top research talent.

The Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) plays a catalytic role by providing strategic direction for Ontario brain research and bringing together multi-disciplinary, patient-centered research teams. OBI also ensures standardization of clinical data to accelerate discovery, improve patient care and foster healthcare efficiencies.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to research on the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. OICR translates research results into prevention, better patient care, and the commercialization of new technologies and therapies into economic development opportunities.

Clinical Trials Ontario is an independent not-for-profit organization that provides a streamlined approach to conducting multi-centre clinical trials in Ontario, while maintaining the highest ethical standards for participant protection.

The Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine brings together government, philanthropy, and commercial partners to sustain Ontario’s competitive advantage in regenerative medicine and deliver on the health and economic promise of stem cells.

The Perimeter Institute is a research centre for scientific research, training and educational outreach in foundational theoretical physics. It is one of the largest and most prominent research centres in theoretical physics in the world.

The Institute for Quantum Computing is a scientific research institute of the University of Waterloo and is the world’s largest concentration of quantum information research.

Under the Neurotrauma Program the Neurotrauma Foundation and Rick Hansen Foundation, charitable, non-profit organizations, are coordinating efforts to support both new and ongoing research and knowledge translation exchange activities in the areas of Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Injury Prevention.

Highlights of 2014-15 achievements

The Ministry of Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure are committed to creating a strong, vibrant and innovative economy. The Ministry of Economic Development Employment and Infrastructure attracted over $4.5 billion of direct investment which will result in the creation / retention of over 21,000 jobs. The following highlights the achievements of the Ministries for the 2014-15 fiscal year (for more detailed results, please refer to the Annual Report on page 32):

1. Attract and secure strategic investments that support productivity, innovation and exports
   • ICT Investment: On April 25, 2014, Waterloo-based OpenText announced a $2 billion investment in Ontario, over the next seven years to help create as many as 1,200 jobs, supported by a provincial grant of up to $120 million to carry out key R&D work on cloud computing in Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto, Richmond Hill, Peterborough, Kingston and Ottawa. This investment will anchor OpenText’s headquarters in Ontario and will help grow the software development cluster in Ontario.
   • Automotive Investments: On November 6, 2014, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. announced an investment at its vehicle assembly and engine plants in Alliston, Ontario. The site will be the lead plant for the next-generation Civic. The company will be developing the manufacturing processes that will be used by all other Honda plants around the world that assemble the car - the first time a factory outside Japan has been chosen for that task. This project will retain 4,000 jobs with an investment total of $857.4 million. The company will receive an $85.74 million grant from the Jobs and Prosperity Fund. Linamar Corporation announced a new investment to develop and produce components and subassemblies for the next generation of 9- and 10-speed transmissions, as well as other fuel-efficient automotive powertrain components. The total project investment from Linamar in Ontario will be up to $506.8 million which will include $50.25 million in support from Ontario, for a 10 year term with a commitment to create 1,200 new project related jobs.
2. A modernized, transparent and accessible Ontario
   • Passage of the Burden Reduction Reporting Act, 2014, which requires the government to publish a report every June detailing the government’s burden reduction activities and future plans.
     • In accordance with the Act, Ontario’s next report will be published by June 30, 2015. Ontario has set a target of reducing burden for business and other stakeholders by $100 million by the end of 2017.
   • In July 2014, the government revised the Ontario Regulatory Policy to include a mandatory review policy, which now requires new or amended high-impact regulations to be revisited within 10 years of publication.
   • Publication of the final report for Ontario’s Open for Business Roundtable with the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA), detailing results on five key sector priorities through a 60-day, one-window access to government process.
   • In September 2013, the Ministry released a three-year, $25 million Social Enterprise Strategy to help make Ontario the best jurisdiction in North America to start-up or scale-up a social purpose business. The Strategy will increase the number of social enterprise start-ups, leverage private sector impact investment to help social enterprises scale-up and create 1,600 sustainable new jobs by 2016, particularly for persons with disabilities, Aboriginals, newcomers to Canada, youth-at-risk and other vulnerable populations.
   • In 2014, the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario established 26 partnerships through the EnAbling Change Program and took part in 202 days of outreach activities, such as speaking engagements and conferences, to promote accessibility standards and awareness.
   • The Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee completed its review of the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service and delivered its final proposed revisions in the fall of 2014 for the government’s consideration.
   • In November 2014 Provost Mayo Moran completed the second legislative review of the AODA. Her report was tabled and made public in February 2015, along with a news release identifying areas where the government has taken action to begin addressing a number of her recommendations.
   • The Jobs and Prosperity Council (JPC) released its Advantage Ontario report in December 2012. The government has taken action on a significant number of the recommendations and areas of focus in the JPC report. JPC Secretariat coordinated progress on the implementation of the recommendations across government and the April 2014 progress report to the JPC.
3. Build and maintain safe and modern infrastructure
   • On July 7, 2014 the Ministry introduced Bill 6: An Act to enact the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act. If passed, the legislation would enshrine long-term infrastructure planning. Second reading of the bill began on December 9, 2014.
   • On August 18, 2014, the Ministry, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, launched the permanent Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, which will provide $100 million per year to small, rural, and northern communities to build and repair critical infrastructure. Half of the funding is allocated annually using a fair and transparent formula. The remaining funding is flowing through an application-based process.
   • As part of the roll-out of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, the Ministry launched an intake to identify projects for the federal government’s Small Communities Fund. Through the Small Communities Fund, Ontario and Canada will each provide $272 million to support projects in communities with populations under 100,000.
   • In December 2014, Ontario made its first submission to the federal government under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. Projects proposed included GO transit improvements; the Ottawa River Action Plan; the Maley Drive extension in Sudbury; six highway expansion projects; five disaster mitigation projects; and five drinking water projects.
   • On February 25, 2015, 78 projects were announced under the application-based component of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.
   • The policy-led, three point plan to transform the government’s approach to realty management is delivering measurable results, including:
     • Over $375 million in net revenue through 347 asset sales since 2007.
     • Reduction of over half a million square feet of office space over the past 2 years saving $19 million per year.
     • An increasingly efficient and modern portfolio of buildings and lands to support program and policy delivery.
     • Advances in delivery of the Province’s Realty Program continued throughout 2014-15 and are setting the stage for successful realty optimization activities in 2015-2016.
   • Continued implementation of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative
   • Following public consultation, the Ministry received government policy approval in September 2013 on proposed changes for a framework to manage forfeited corporate property. The Ministry continues to  work with partner ministries on  proposed legislation that if passed, will achieve outcomes including:
     • Reducing the number of corporate properties that forfeit to the government of Ontario
     • Returning forfeited corporate properties to productive use in a timely and efficient manner
     • Increasing corporate accountability for costs associated with forfeited property
     • Providing greater transparency and certainty in the management and disposition of forfeited corporate property
4. Translating research into improved efficiencies in health care delivery
   • The Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine was launched in 2014 to bring together government, philanthropy, and commercial partners to sustain Ontario’s competitive advantage in regenerative medicine and deliver on the health and economic promise of stem cells. The institute will act as an umbrella organization for all stem cell and regenerative medicine activity in Ontario. The 2015 Ontario Budget committed $25 million over five years to support the institute starting in 2015-16
   • Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO) has created a Streamlined Research Ethics Review System that supports the timely, efficient and effective review of multi-centre clinical research in Ontario. This system enables any single ‘CTO Qualified’ Research Ethics Board (REB) to provide ethics review and oversight on behalf of multiple research sites involved in a clinical trial. This system harmonizes processes and reducing the time and effort required to conduct research across multiple sites in Ontario.
5. Support leading edge research to boost Ontario’s research capacity
   • In 2014-15 Ontario’s flagship research programs adjudicated five competitions and in the process engaged the support of over 135 panel members and 300 expert reviewers. All submitted research proposals undergo a rigorous, best-in-class, independent peer-review ensuring support for the best projects with the greatest likelihood for success.
     • Through the Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence Fund, the Ministry committed $65 million toward 21 projects.
     • Through the Ontario Research Fund – Research Infrastructure Fund, the Ministry committed $19.31 million toward 117 small infrastructure projects.
     • Through the Early Researcher Awards, the Ministry committed $13.02 million toward 93 awards.
   • In 2014-15, the Ministry worked with stakeholders who established Compute Ontario a not-for-profit corporation to support advanced computing in Ontario. Compute Ontario serves as a focal point for collaboration by reducing duplication and facilitating a coordinated approach to advanced computing among Ontario institutions. Access to this infrastructure has become a key competitive differentiator for companies, research institutions, universities and governments.
6. Deliver the renewed Youth Jobs Strategy in three areas: Labour Market Connections, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
   Investing $100 million over two years (2013/14 – 2014/15) across three funds (Ontario Youth Innovation Fund, Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Fund, and Youth Skills Connections) the following key results were achieved in 2014-15:
   • Met its commitment to increase entrepreneurial activity in post-secondary institutions: 95% of institutions across Ontario now have on-campus entrepreneurship programs.
   • Met its commitment to provide almost 6,000 mentorship and training opportunities provided to young entrepreneurs.
   • Reached over 86,000 youth through outreach projects, on-campus activities and entrepreneurship networking opportunities.
   • Put in place industry and community partnerships to train over 3,200 youth to meet skill gaps and overcome barriers to employment.
   • Supported 940 students in launching their own summer business in 2014 through the Summer Company program.
   • Engaged more than 325 post-secondary students in research and development internships.
   • Supported over 1,700 businesses through Campus-linked Accelerator activities.
   • Started 400 new “Main Street” businesses across the province.
   • Held 14 Ideas Forums across Ontario bringing together regional ecosystem stakeholders to create partnerships, identify needs and opportunities, and develop fundable ideas to support the Youth Jobs Strategy in Ontario.
7. Support Entrepreneurs, Build Commercialization and Stimulate an Ideas Economy
   • Accelerated Ontario’s shift towards a knowledge-based economy by helping technology-based entrepreneurs and companies to start and grow, and accelerate the commercialization process (i.e. bringing an idea-to-market).
   • Advanced “main street” businesses through Small Business Enterprise Centres resulting in the start-up of 4,084 businesses, 1,110 business expansions and the creation of 5,725 jobs in 2014-15.
   • Provided consultations with high growth firms or aspiring high growth firms resulting in over 2,900 new / retained jobs, over $339 million in total new investment projects and over $190 million in international and inter-provincial export sales (detailed results included the Annual Report).
8. Maintain a robust venture capital industry
   • Through the Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund (OETF), invested $88 million directly into 27 Ontario-based portfolio companies and levered $222 million in third-party capital. For the twelve-month period ended February 2015, the portfolio companies on an aggregate basis:
     • Recorded revenues of $195 million;
     • Incurred expenditures of approximately $207 million in research and development; and supported 639 full-time careers.
   • Through the Ontario Venture Capital Fund LP (OVCF), Ontario’s commitment of $90 million has leveraged over $1 billion in third-party capital. With respect to OVCF’s Ontario-based portfolio companies for the twelve-month period ended December 2014, on an aggregate basis:
     • Recorded revenues of $429.0 million for an annualized revenue growth of 28.5%;
     • Dedicated expenditures of $114.3 million in research and development; and employed 2,864 individuals.

To date the Northleaf Venture Catalyst Fund LP (NVCF) has announced commitments to six leading Canadian venture capital funds and invested in five companies totalling over $115 million.

Ministry of Research and Innovation and Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure organizational chart

• Level 1
  • Minister Brad Duguid – Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
    • Parliamentary Assistant – Peter Z. Milczyn (reports to Minister Duguid)
  • Minister Reza Moridi – Research and Innovation
    • Parliamentary Assistant - Daiene Vernile (reports to Minister Moridi)
• Level 2
  • Reporting to Minister Brad Duguid and Minister Reza Moridi
    • Deputy Minister – Giles Gherson
• Level 3
  • Reporting to Deputy Minister – Giles Gherson
    • Executive Assistant – Trish Dyl
    • Legal Services Director – Carolyn Calwell
    • Communications Director – Clare Barnett
    • 9 Assistant Deputy Ministers
      • (Acting) John Marshall, Open for Business
      • Victor Sverino, Policy and Strategy
      • Anthony LaMantia, Investment and Industry
      • Cameron Sinclair, Trade and Marketing
      • Bill Mantel, Research, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship
      • Robert Burns, CAO, Corporate Services
      • Ann Hoy, Accessibility Directorate of Ontario
      • Karen Maxwell, Infrastructure Policy and Planning
      • Bruce Singbush, Realty
• Level 4
  • Reporting to (Acting) Assistant Deputy Minister, John Marshall, Open for Business
    • Ryan Lock, (Acting) Director, Social Enterprise
    • Angela Faienza, Director, Open for Business
  • Reporting to Assistant Deputy Minister, Victor Sverino, Policy and Strategy
    • Guy Poirier,(Acting) Director, Policy and Strategy
    • Steve Romanyshyn, Director, Strategic Policy
    • Vacant, (Acting) Director, Sector Strategy
    • Hugo Cameron, Director, Trade Policy
  • Reporting to Assistant Deputy Minister, Anthony LaMantia, Investment and Industry:
    • Richard Kikuta, Director, Science, Tech and Services
    • Brian Love, Director, Business Advisory Services
    • Trevor Dauphinee, Director, Advanced Manufacturing
  • Reporting to Assistant Deputy Minister, Cameron Sinclair, Trade and Marketing:
    • Margaret Steeves, Director, Marketing
    • Enrico Di Nino, (Acting) Director, International Trade
    • David Barnes, (Acting) Director, International Representation
  • Reporting to Assistant Deputy Minister , Bill Mantel, Research, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship:
    • Allison Barr, Director, Research Branch
    • Carrie Burd, (Acting) Director, Entrepreneurship
    • George Cadete, Director, Commercialization
    • John Marshall, President and CEO, Ontario Capital Growth Corporation
  • Reporting to Assistant Deputy Minister, Robert Burns, Corporate Services:
    • Betty Morgan, Director, Service Management and Facilities
    • Dan Keating, Director, Human Resources
    • Lawrence Wagner, Director, Business Planning and Finance
    • Reed Barrett, Director, Investment Funding and Coordination
    • Isolina Kuzminski, Executive Lead, Transfer Payment Transformation Project
  • Reporting to Assistant Deputy Minister, Ann Hoy, Accessibility Directorate of Ontario:
    • Mary Bartolmucci, Director, Standards Policy and Coordination
    • Alf Spencer, Director, Outreach and Strategic Initiatives
  • Reporting to Assistant Deputy Minister, Karen Maxwell, Infrastructure Policy and Planning:
    • Scott Pegg, (Acting ) Director, Intergovernmental Policy
    • Sarah McQuarrie, Director, Strategic Initiatives, Planning and Analytics
  • Reporting to Assistant Deputy Minister, Bruce Singbush, Realty:
    • Margaret Allan, Director, Realty Management
    • Vacant, Director, Realty Policy

Download printer-friendly organizational chart (JPG)

Agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs)

Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee (ASAC/SDC)

On January 21, 2013, the government announced the creation of the new ASAC/SDC. The ASAC/SDC advises government on improving accessibility for people with disabilities and has responsibility for reviewing existing accessibility standards.

Ontario Capital Growth Corporation (OCGC)

The Ontario Capital Growth Corporation was established to:

• Receive, hold, administer and otherwise deal with the interest of the Government of Ontario in the limited partnership known as the Ontario Venture Capital Fund LP;
• Acquire, manage and otherwise deal with a portfolio of investments in businesses that the Corporation considers to be emerging technology businesses, which portfolio shall be known in English as the Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund;
• Participate in the formation of one or more funds, to acquire interests in the funds, and to hold, administer and otherwise deal with those interests, where each fund meets the following criteria:
  1. It receives funding directly or indirectly from, among others, one or more of the following:
     1. The Government of Canada.
     2. The Corporation.
     3. Private sector entities.
  2. Its goals include promoting the creation of a globally competitive venture capital industry, increasing the supply and effective deployment of early-stage investment capital, and increasing the supply of top-performing fund managers to manage venture capital investment, in Ontario and Canada.
  3. It invests in one or both of the following:
     1. Other funds that supply venture capital to companies.
     2. Innovative companies that require venture capital.
  4. It is managed by a private sector fund manager.

• Perform any additional objects specified by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Notes:

1. 2014-15 numbers based on draft financial statements. Numbers subject to adjustment without notice.
2. 2013-14 revenue number from 2014 audited financial statement of the Ontario Capital Growth Corporation (OCGC).

Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation

The Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (Infrastructure Ontario or IO) is a Crown corporation established under the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation Act, 2011.

IO’s mandate is to provide a wide range of services to support the Ontario government’s initiatives to modernize and maximize the value of public infrastructure and realty. Infrastructure Ontario fulfills its mandate through the following roles and activities and with written direction from the Minister as may be required:

Modern Procurement and Project Manager

• Manages large, complex public infrastructure projects through the Alternative Financing and Procurement  model, which uses private financing and expertise to strategically build high quality public infrastructure, and aspires to on time and on budget delivery, in partnership with the private sector.

Real Estate Manager

• Provides strategic asset and contract management (including real estate capital planning, safe and secure operations, leasing and property acquisition, appraisal, energy management, environmental services, accommodation analysis and disposition of surplus properties) to maximize the value of public buildings and lands for the Ministry, client ministries, and agencies;
• Delivers capital repair projects and operational performance management of outsourced service providers through effective and efficient service delivery for Ontario’s General Real Estate Portfolio; and
• Leads strategic portfolio reviews and rationalization, and alternate use planning (including real estate development, land development and master planning) on behalf of the Ministry, client ministries, agencies and the broader public sector.

Infrastructure Lender

• Administers Infrastructure Ontario’s Loan Program, which provides Ontario municipalities and eligible public sector and not-for-profit organizations with access to affordable loans to build and renew public infrastructure.

Commercial Project Advisor

• Leverages private sector partnerships and investments for revenue generation, liability/cost reduction and efficiency in government services and investments

Infrastructure Ontario is dedicated to the renewal of the Province’s hospitals, courthouses, and other essential public assets. Ensuring appropriate public control and ownership, Infrastructure Ontario uses Alternative Financing and Procurement to rebuild vital infrastructure, on time and on budget.

Infrastructure Ontario provides Ontario municipalities, universities and other public bodies with access to affordable loans to build and renew public infrastructure.

Infrastructure Ontario also provides management services for the provincially-owned and leased realty portfolio, one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada. The portfolio includes a wide variety of properties, ranging from detention centres to office space, courthouses and heritage buildings, and land holdings across the Province. Included in the consolidation adjustments are the expense impacts of the General Real Estate Portfolio (GREP) and the Transmission Corridor Program, which Infrastructure Ontario administers for the ministry.

Ontario Research Fund Advisory Board (ORFAB)

The ORFAB reviews and assesses Ontario Research Fund and Early Researcher Award funding proposals, and makes recommendations to the Minister. The Board also provides strategic advice to the Minister on the research agenda to keep Ontario competitive and prosperous.

Government organizations

The Ministry of Infrastructure has oversight of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (Waterfront Toronto) jointly with the federal government and the City of Toronto. One third of Waterfront Toronto’s finances are consolidated onto the ministry’s books.

Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation

Waterfront Toronto was established by the federal government, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto to transform underutilized industrial lands along Toronto’s waterfront into sustainable new communities, promote economic growth in knowledge-based creative industries, create parks and open spaces, and provide continuous waterfront access to the public.

Waterfront Toronto is responsible for developing and implementing a coordinated and comprehensive waterfront vision and in ensuring that the public and private sectors are engaged in revitalization efforts.

Detailed financial information

Table 1: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2015-16

*Excludes the following Consolidation Adjustments

• Consolidation Adjustment – Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation
• Consolidation Adjustment – Hospitals
• Consolidation Adjustment – Colleges
• Consolidation Adjustment – Ontario Capital Growth Corporation
• Consolidation Adjustment – General Real Estate Portfolio
• Consolidation Adjustment –Transmission Corridor Program
• Consolidation Adjustment – Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation

Ministry of Research and Innovation
Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

Table 2: Combined operating and capital summary by vote

*Estimates, Interim Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers.

For additional financial information, see:

Expenditure Estimates

Public Accounts of Ontario 2013-2014

2015 Ontario Budget

or

For information please contact:

Business Planning and Finance Branch
Ministry of Research and Innovation
Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

Tel: 416-325-6421
Fax: 416-327-4239

Appendix: Annual Report 2014-15

2014-15 Achievements

The Ministry of Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure provided leadership in fostering a competitive business climate to attract jobs and investment to Ontario. The Ministries supported the government’s priorities:

• Supportive and Dynamic Business Environment
• Modernized Infrastructure and Transportation Networks
• Increased Talent and Skills Among Ontarians
• A Healthier Population

1. Attract and secure strategic investments that support productivity, innovation and exports

In 2014-15, the Ministries contributed to economic growth by attracting the following investments:

Jobs and Prosperity Fund (JPF)

The Jobs and Prosperity Fund (JPF) was announced in the 2014 Ontario Budget and was officially launched on January 7, 2015. The JPF will help support the creation of a dynamic and innovative business climate, improve productivity and market access for Ontario companies and sectors. As part of the 2015 budget, eligibility was extended to the forestry sector and an additional $200 million was added to the fund, bringing the total to $2.7 billion.

The Strategic Investment Framework (SIF) was introduced in January 2015 to guide and evaluate potential investments made under the Jobs and Prosperity Fund (JPF). Taking a broad and longer-term perspective, the SIF places a premium on transformative, innovation-driven investments from key anchor firms. These firms will catalyse broader economic activity, including strengthening local supply chains, encouraging collaborative research, providing exposure to international and diaspora networks and fostering new start-ups.

JPF Announced Projects 2014-15

Projects Previously Announced Under Recently Closed Programs (now to be funded under JPF)

• Honda (November 6, 2014 - Alliston)
• Open Text - (April 25, 2014 – Waterloo)
• Cisco Systems Canada Co. (December 13, 2013 – Toronto)
• Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited (September 19, 2013 – Oakville)
• Ubisoft (Toronto – July 6, 2009)

Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund and Strategic Investments

Though closed in 2014, the Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund (SJIF), has continued to support innovative projects that will create high value-added jobs and support cluster development. Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund (SJIF) and Strategic Investments (SI) have committed Ontario support of over $865 million, leveraging business investment of over $11.8 billion and helping to create and retain over 31,000 highly skilled jobs.

SJIF Announced Projects 2014-15

Eastern Ontario Development Fund

During 2014-15, the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) announced support to 6 projects with a total investment of $3.41 million. Since the Fund was established in 2008, the government has invested more than $70 million in over 145 projects leveraging a total investment of approximately $700 million. These investments have created over 3,000 new jobs.

EODF Announced Projects 2014-15

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

During 2014-15, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) announced support to 14 projects with a total investment of approximately $112 million. Since the launch of the fund in October 2012, the government has invested almost $55 million to more than 46 projects leveraging a total of over $640 million and creating 2,750 new jobs.

SWODF Announced Projects 2014-15

Communities in Transition Program

The Ministry continued to collaborate with Ontario communities and industry sectors to respond to local, sector or regional economic challenges by creating new opportunities and attracting new investment. During 2014-15, the Communities in Transition (CiT) program announced 2 projects with a total investment of $123,000. Since 2006-07, the government has supported over 70 projects across the province with a total contribution of $18.2 million.

CiT Announced Project 2014-15

Examples of Key Investment Attraction

• Open Text - on April 25, 2014, Waterloo-based OpenText announced a $2 billion investment in Ontario, over the next seven years to help create as many as 1,200 jobs, supported by a provincial grant of up to $120 million to carry out key R&D work on cloud computing in Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto, Richmond Hill, Peterborough, Kingston and Ottawa. The investment bolsters Ontario’s position as North America’s second biggest centre for information and communications technology. Ontario’s highly skilled workforce, R&D incentives and competitive business climate are key factors in attracting new investments from companies such as OpenText. This investment will anchor OpenText’s headquarters in Ontario and will help grow the software development cluster in Ontario. The jobs will include high-value R&D positions in marketing, HR, accounting and facilities management, expanding its workforce in Ontario to more than 2,400 jobs.
• Honda Motor Co. Ltd. develops and manufactures motor products ranging from automobiles, motorcycles, and jet airplanes to general purpose small engine applications for lawnmowers, snowthrowers and generators. The company recently announced an investment into two Canadian assembly plants and the engine plant in Alliston, Ontario on November 6, 2014. The site will be the lead plant for the next-generation Civic. The company will be developing the manufacturing processes that will be used by all other Honda plants around the world that assemble the car – the first time a factory outside Japan has been chosen for that task. This project will retain 4,000 jobs with an investment total of $857.4 million. The company will receive an $85.74 million grant from the Jobs and Prosperity Fund.
• Linamar Corporation announced a new investment to develop and produce components and subassemblies for the next generation of 9- and 10-speed transmissions, as well as other fuel-efficient automotive powertrain components. The total project investment from Linamar in Guelph, Ontario will be up to $506.8 million which will include $50.25 million in support from Ontario (Jobs and Prosperity Fund), for a 10 year term with a commitment to create 1,200 new project related jobs.
• Héroux-Devtek, located in Cambridge, Ontario, is a Canadian aerospace company specializing in the design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of related systems and components. The company is developing a global centre of excellence as well as expansion of design and engineering capabilities for landing gears. This project will create 40 new jobs and retain 50 jobs with an investment total over the next five years of $54.2 million. The company will receive a $7.05 million grant from the Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund.
• Sysco Canada Inc. markets and distributes food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, and lodging establishments. The company announced a new 35,000 square foot facility in Waterloo, Ontario, to develop a state-of-the-art inside sales representation system, Sysco Connect. The Sysco Connect project will integrate new technology, marketing analytics and management reporting processes into Sysco’s business systems. The investment for this project is estimated to be $71.6 million over five years, creating 400 new jobs. The company will receive a $1.15 million grant from the Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund.
• Highbury Canco Corp., an Ontario-based consortium of investors, acquired Heinz’s Leamington factory in May 2014. Highbury entered into an agreement with Heinz to operate the facility and produce products for the Canadian Market. The project will create 300 new jobs with an investment of $16.1 million over five years. The company will receive a $2.5 million grant from the Strategic Jobs and Investment Fund.
• Stereo D, a California-based visual effects company, and a recognized industry leader in high-quality conversions of 2D theatrical content into stereoscopic 3D imagery announced an investment in Ontario. The company works with major motion picture studios, directors, cinematographers, and VFX supervisors to bring their vision of 3D storytelling to the screen. Stereo D high profile projects include work for such films as Titanic 3D, The Avengers, Avatar, Captain America, and Jurassic Park 3D, among others. Stereo D plans to centralize all of is development and R&D work in Ontario by building a world class studio employing up to 426 workers and  representing $147 million in investment value.
• Business Services - A total of 2,044 jobs were created and retained and a total of $282 million was invested by seven (7) new or expanded call centres: Atelka (2 Sarnia projects), Sitel (St. Catharines), Minacs (Chatham), Allianz (Kitchener), Nordia (Peterborough), and HGS (Windsor). These companies provide outsourcing solutions that include back office processing, contact center services and customized IT solutions to their global clientele comprising several Fortune 500 Companies.
• Premier’s Mission to China - The Minister led the economic development part of the Premier’s mission to China in October 2014. Corporate calls were held with the Premier and Ministers including meetings with large IT companies, Huawei and ZTE, to discuss potential investments in Ontario. There was a successful Financial Services roundtable for the Premier and Ministers to meet with the large Chinese financial institutions. The goal of this roundtable was to increase awareness of Ontario’s Financial Sector and encourage the establishment of an RMB Trading hub in Toronto. In November 2014 Canada was designated as the first RMB trading hub in the Americas, the hub was officially launched on March 23^rd 2015. This will increase business ties between China and all of Canada. The Ministry opportunities formed a significant part of the almost $1 billion investment announced from the Premier’s mission to China.
• Minister’s Mission to California – California Trade Mission: The Minister led the trade mission to California. The mission focused on attracting venture capital, Life Sciences and ICT. Executive-level corporate calls helped further develop a significant investment opportunity with JLabs, NetSuite and industry roundtables provided a platform to highlight the growth and success of attracting venture capital investment to Ontario.

Ontario Wine and Grape Strategy

As part of a multi-ministry Wine Secretariat leading the development of the new Ontario Wine and Grape Strategy, the Ministry successfully integrated its previous two VQA wine transfer payment programs (the VQA Wine Support Program and the Wine Strategy Program) into a new, consolidated one-window VQA wine program to be delivered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This effort supported both the wine and grape industry’s requests for one window delivery, and the Ontario Government’s focus on reducing duplication of policy and program delivery.

Partnerships for Jobs and Growth Act, 2014

The Act, developed during 2014, came into force on April 1, 2015 and makes Ontario the first jurisdiction in North America to provide a legislative framework for the development of economic cluster-specific competitiveness strategies (“cluster plans” under the Act).

2. A modernized, transparent and accessible Ontario

Open for Business

Ontario’s Open for Business (OFB) initiative is aimed at making government faster, smarter and more streamlined for business. Some of the key results achieved include:

• In December 2014, the Legislature passed the Burden Reduction Reporting Act. This Act requires the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure to publish a report every June highlighting the Ontario’s current burden reduction activities and future plans.
• In compliance with the Act, the Ministry will publish Ontario’s next burden reduction report by June 30^th 2015.
  • The 2015 report will build on Ontario’s 2014 report, Fewer Burdens, Greater Growth, which highlighted over $6 million and 150,000 hours in estimated savings to businesses and stakeholders from 5 burden reduction initiatives.
  • Fewer Burdens, Greater Growth, has set a target of reducing burden for businesses and other stakeholders by $100 million by the end of 2017.
• In July 2014, the government revised the Ontario Regulatory Policy to include a new mandatory review policy, which now requires high-impact regulations to be revisited within 10 years of publication.
• In January, 2015, the Ministry published the final report from its Open for Business Roundtable process with the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association- the 10^th OFB Roundtable process completed since 2010. OFB Roundtables aim to address the top five priority issues for a business sector within 60 days.
  • New OFB Roundtables are currently being planned for additional sectors in 2015-16.
• The Ministry is working with Québec, as part of the Ontario-Quebec Trade and Cooperation Agreement, to build on our commitment to share information on regulations and best practices, with a view to having a tangible impact on business.

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiations

• On September 26, 2014, Canada and the EU formally announced the successful completion of Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiations. CETA marks a historical moment, as it was the first time that Ontario has participated directly in negotiations with a foreign party. As Ontario’s lead negotiating ministry, MEDEI played an instrumental role in finalizing this deal on behalf of the province. By working with both our ministerial and federal and provincial counterparts, the Ministry helped secure a deal that is meaningful to Ontario’s businesses and people.

Social Enterprise

The Ministry launched a Social Enterprise Strategy for Ontario to enable the growth of the social enterprise sector and position Ontario as the leading social enterprise jurisdiction in North America. Thriving social entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth and job creation, while addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.

• The Ministry is partnering with community organizations and private investors to pilot innovative social financing tools, including the Ontario Catapult Microloan Fund. Catapult offers loans of $5,000 - $25,000 to early-stage social entrepreneurs, as well as focused business mentorship support. As of January 2015, eight Ontario social ventures had received financing under the program. One of these ventures, Peekapak, has since gone on to raise over $150,000 in investments from the private sector.
• A call for proposals for the $4 million Social Enterprise Demonstration Fund (SEDF) was initiated in March 2014. The Fund is being deployed in partnership with community-based non-profit intermediary organizations with matching funding from other sources, including private investors. The SEDF aims to build new capital pools that will expand financing opportunities for social enterprises, and create jobs. The eleven successful intermediary organizations were announced on February 19, 2015. The Ministry’s $4 million investment leveraged more than $6 million in funding from other sources.
• The Ministry also supported the launch of the Social Venture ConneXion (SVX) in September 2013. The SVX is a first-of-its-kind in North America online social finance platform to connect investors with investment-ready social enterprises. It has already raised $3.2 million with 23 social ventures approved on the platform. In November 2014, the Ministry announced a new Ontario – California Impact Investment Partnership to help encourage cross-border capital flows into Ontario-based social ventures. The expansion of the SVX platform into California was a key part of this partnership.
• In March 2014, Ontario launched a call for Social Impact Bond (SIB) ideas, leading towards piloting a SIB in Ontario. Eighty three (83) proposals were received from charities, not-for-profits, foundations and municipalities from across Ontario. The ideas deal with pressing social policy challenges: (1) affordable housing; (2) youth-at-risk; and (3) employment for persons with disabilities. The submissions received are currently under review.
• In March 2014, the Ministry sponsored the “Impact Ontario” deal-making event, in partnership with the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing, RBC and SOCAP. The event drew over 300 participants, including over 120 impact investors (including investors from across Canada, California, the UK and Chile). The one-day event resulted in at least one publicly reported financing deal. The high-profile event, which trended on social media throughout the day, also helped raise domestic and international awareness of Ontario’s fast-growing social enterprise sector. A similar event is scheduled for May 25, 2015.
• The Ministry is currently consulting with financial institutions to explore a Community Loans Pilot Project, which would give small business owners discounted commercial loan rates if they commit to hiring people with disabilities or others who face employment barriers.
• The Ministry is working with the Canadian Community Economic Development Network-Ontario (CCEDNet-Ontario) to support the collection of baseline research to produce a more complete picture of Ontario’s social enterprise sector, including statistics on for-profit social enterprises.

Jobs and Prosperity Council

The Jobs and Prosperity Council (JPC) released its Advantage Ontario report in December 2012. The government has taken action on a significant number of the recommendations and areas of focus in the JPC Report. JPC Secretariat coordinated progress on the implementation of the recommendations across government and the April 2014 progress report to the JPC.

Accessibility

Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada with legislation that sets out a clear goal and timeframe for accessibility through the identification, prevention and removal of barriers in key areas of daily living.

• The Directorate continues the implementation of the five accessibility standards enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). A number of requirements under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation came into effect in 2014-15.
• Designated public sector organizations will be required to submit their third accessibility compliance report in December 2014. They are required to report every two years.
• To help meet that mandate and increase reporting rates; the ADO led a direct mail outreach campaign (including the use of behavioral insights) targeting businesses and organizations with 20 or more employees.
• Four (4) direct mail communications were sent to obligated private sector organizations with 20 or more employees; each with an increasingly firm message to file their 2014 Accessibility Compliance Report.
• The pilot involved sending notices to businesses via email and traditional mail as well as multiple versions (5) of the messaging using a randomized methodology
• The directorate also engaged in a marketing campaign in the fall of 2014 focusing on the compliance deadline in December 2014.
• In 2014, the Directorate formed 26 partnerships through the EnAbling Change Program to promote accessibility across the province. For example, the Human Resources Professionals Association delivered a monthly webinar series focusing on compliance with accessibility standards. These learning opportunities were tailored for human resources and employment specialists working in the private sector and reached on average over 700 participants each month. The Association of Registered Graphic Designers focused on educating the graphic and web design community on best practices for accessible web and interactive design. This included the development of a web accessibility handbook, a promotional video and the redevelopment of their own accessibility website which houses case studies, webinar recordings, articles and videos.
• The Directorate took part in 202 days of province-wide outreach during 2014, including participating in a variety of conferences, speaking engagements and other activities to promote accessibility standards among obligated sectors and foster increased awareness of the requirements for and benefits of increased accessibility.

3. Build and maintain safe, modern infrastructure

• The policy-led, three point plan to transform the government’s approach to realty management is delivering measurable results, including:
  • Over $375 million in net revenue through 347 asset sales since 2007.
  • Reduction of over half a million square feet of office space over the past 2 years saving $19 million per year
  • An increasingly efficient and modern portfolio of buildings and lands to support program and policy delivery.
• Advances in delivery of the Province’s Realty Program continued throughout 2014-15 and are setting the stage for successful realty optimization activities in 2015-2016.
• The transaction for the sale of the LCBO’s head office lands is expected to close in 2015–16. This sale will ensure that Ontarians get greater value from this public asset.
• The Province is undertaking due diligence on options for OPG’s head office building and continues to move forward on the sale process.
• Other real estate assets continue to be reviewed under a longer-term revitalization plan, including the former Lakeview generating station property in southeastern Mississauga and the Seaton lands in Pickering.
• Continued implementation of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative
• Continued delivery of the Transmission Corridor Program, which generates revenue towards retiring the stranded debt of the former Ontario Hydro.
• The Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services (the Drummond Report) called for encouraging more efficient use of current space and development of a strategic plan for the Province’s realty portfolio. After successfully launching the transformation of the way government manages its realty, as committed in the 2012 Ontario Budget, further progress was made with the approval of the Accelerated Demolition Program in 2014-15.
• The Ministry is leading a multi-ministry effort to create a comprehensive legislation framework for the management of forfeited corporate property in Ontario. The framework supports on-going transformation of government realty.
• Following public consultation, the Ministry received government policy approval in September 2013 on proposed changes for a framework to manage forfeited corporate property. The Ministry continues to  work with partner ministries on  proposed legislation that if passed, would achieve outcomes including:
  • Reducing the number of corporate properties that forfeit to the government of Ontario
  • Returning forfeited corporate properties to productive use in a timely and efficient manner
  • Increasing corporate accountability for costs associated with forfeited property
  • Providing greater transparency and certainty in the management and disposition of forfeited corporate property
• On August 18, 2014, the Ministry, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, launched the permanent Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, which provides $100 million per year to small, rural, and northern communities to build and repair critical infrastructure. Half of the funding is allocated annually using a fair and transparent formula. The remaining funding is flowing through an application-based process.
  • On November 14, 2014, the Ministries announced annual allocations to 426 eligible communities under the formula-based component of the fund.
  • On February 25, 2015, the Ministries announced 78 approved projects under the application-based component of the fund (see figure below).

OCIF Application-based Component Announced Projects (February 2015)

4. Translating research into improved efficiencies in health care delivery

It is estimated, one in three Ontarians will be directly affected by a brain disorder within the course of a lifetime. The Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) is tackling this challenge through its integrated approach to brain research and care. OBI is leveraging the infrastructure, talent, and the existing excellence of Ontario’s neuroscience community. OBI also creates partnerships to break down silos between clinicians and researchers, between institutions, between industry and researchers, between patient advocacy groups and researchers, and between disciplines and methodologies.

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research is translating cancer research findings into health and economic benefits. Some of their successful short-term outcomes for health include:

• Confirmed the feasibility of adapting “real-time genomic profiling” approaches to patients with advanced/metastatic cancer at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and other centres in Ontario. A genomic analysis of a patient’s tumour helps the oncologist select an appropriate therapy. Patients benefit by receiving a treatment more likely to be successful. They are spared the side effects of treatments that will not work. The healthcare system benefits because use of expensive therapies is limited to patients for whom the treatment is likely to be successful.
• Established new strategies to avoid unnecessary surgery and complications for men with prostate cancer that could save health care costs. In 2013, there were over 9,000 cases of prostate cancer in Ontario. With this new strategy, there is a potential for 15,000 less prostate biopsies in Ontario per year and 1,500 less prostate cancer surgeries resulting in a potential annual savings of $3.5 to $7 million.
• Launched an intervention study to develop better approaches to cancer screening. The first initiative to complement Ontario’s Colon Cancer Check program led to a 14% net increase in the uptake among people eligible for screening who did not respond to their initial invitation. This led to a modification of the screening program by Cancer Care Ontario (CCO). Due to this increase in cancer screening, it is estimated that 425 colon cancer deaths will be averted per year.
• Established the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization that supplied medical isotopes used to diagnose and treat more than 10,000 cancer patients, launched 12 clinical trials to validate the clinical value of new imaging probes, created more than 70 jobs in Hamilton, worked on over 30 projects funded by industry and developed novel imaging agents.
• Co-developed provincial guidelines and additional confirmatory studies with CCO and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care for new gene-based tests that provide the most cost-effective information for guiding treatment decisions. These gene-based tests can identify approximately 40% of patients with colon cancer not likely to respond to expensive chemotherapy and 22% of patients with early breast cancer who can avoid chemotherapy and related adverse effects.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research continues to host the international secretariat of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health. The alliance was formed to help accelerate the potential of genomic medicine to advance health by creating a common framework of harmonized approaches to enable the responsible, voluntary, and secure sharing of genomic and clinical data.

The Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine was launched in 2014 to bring together government, philanthropy, and commercial partners to sustain Ontario’s competitive advantage in regenerative medicine and deliver on the health and economic promise of stem cells. The institute will act as an umbrella organization for all stem cell and regenerative medicine activity in Ontario. The 2015 Ontario Budget committed $25 million over five years to support the institute starting in 2015-16.

Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO) has created a Streamlined Research Ethics Review System that supports the timely, efficient and effective review of multi-centre clinical research in Ontario. This system enables any single ‘CTO Qualified’ Research Ethics Board (REB) to provide ethics review and oversight on behalf of multiple research sites involved in a clinical trial. This system, launched in March 2015, provides significant benefits to sponsors, investigators, institutions and REBs by harmonizing processes and reducing the time and effort required to conduct research across multiple sites in Ontario. All REBs participating in the system are reviewed through the CTO REB Qualification Program, a program unique to Ontario. Several REBs in Ontario have already become CTO Qualified, and it is anticipated that most REBs serving academic hospitals will be qualified by early 2016. Key features of the CTO Streamlined System:

• Supports a single REB in providing research ethics review and oversight to multiple research sites for both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated studies.
• A web-based platform, CTO Stream that enables research ethics reviews, document management and communication across multiple REBs and institutions. After the protocol and overall study documents are approved, individual research sites can be approved for participating in the trial in days versus the two to five months or more it can currently take.

5. Support leading-edge research to boost Ontario’s research capacity

Since 2004, over $1.4 billion in investments has leveraged an additional $3.11 billion, and over 625 industrial and institutional partnerships have been created. In addition, there have been over 86,000 opportunities for highly qualified personnel to significantly improve their skills and knowledge.

• The Ministry committed $19.3 million to 117 small infrastructure projects under the Ontario Research Fund – Research Infrastructure program, ensuring that Ontario’s publicly funded research institutions and their researchers continue to have competitive, state-of-the-art infrastructure to engage in world-leading research and technology development. These commitments include:
  • $400,000 for Dr. Praveen Jain at Queen’s University to develop a Smart Microgrid Test Platform. As Ontario continues to close down coal-fired generating plants, our existing power grid must become ‘smarter’ to accommodate wind, solar and other renewable energy sources more reliably. This project will explore ways to harness renewable energy more efficiently.
  • $118,000 for Dr. Pedram Fatehi at Lakehead University to research biorefining which is a new process that takes waste materials produced during the pulping process and turns them into value-added - and environmentally friendly - products. Dr. Fatehi is investigating how these green chemicals could be produced and used by resource extraction industries such as mining.
  • $75,000 for Dr. Alan Scoboria at University of Windsor to establish the Facility for Cognitive Neuroscience in Acquired Brain Injury. This infrastructure will enable research that explores our ability to communicate and remember information about our pasts, thoughts, and emotions. The research will potentially improve how conditions that disrupt these processes, such as brain damage caused by stroke or concussion, are treated.
• The Ministry committed $65 million through the Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence program to 21 projects including:
  • $3,555,332 at McMaster University to support a multidisciplinary team of investigators that will build on their momentum and efforts to address the antimicrobial resistance crisis. Public Health agencies around the globe have identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the most critical public challenges of our time.
  • $2,953,680 at University of Toronto for iCity (Urban Informatics for Sustainable Metropolitan Growth), a virtual lab for urban design that will develop and apply advanced data, analysis and visualization capabilities to find innovative ways to improve urban transportation system performance and design efficient, sustainable cities for the well-being of individuals and society.
  • $2,666,499 to The University of Western Ontario to develop a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that is easy to site, accessible, requires no liquid helium and delivers high-performance neuroimaging. This will bring the benefits of MRI to healthcare settings where it is currently unavailable.

The Ministry committed $13.02 million towards 93 awards through the Early Researcher Awards program to help promising, recently appointed Ontario researchers build their research teams including:

• Dr. Mariek Schmidt at Brock University to explore connections between discoveries aboard the Mars Science Lab Curiosity rover and unaltered and altered Hawaiian volcanics. This work is intended to help determine whether Mars could have been habitable by microbes.
• Dr. Jackie Dawson at University of Ottawa to pursue evidence-based policy options to improve northern transportation planning. Climate change has improved the navigability of Canadian Arctic waters, and has facilitated an increase in ship traffic by 75% since 2005 – testing Canadian sovereignty and security.
• Dr. Ian Milligan at University of Waterloo to harnesses Internet data to enable present and future historians to usefully access, interpret, and curate born-digital primary sources that document our recent past.

Since the program’s inception in 2005, the Ministry has committed $115 million to 822 researchers leveraging an additional $41.1 million. Early Researcher Awards winners have provided over 22,500 training opportunities to highly qualified personnel.

6. Deliver the renewed Youth Jobs Strategy in three areas: Labour Market Connections, Entrepreneurship and Innovation

With funding of $100 million over two years (2013/14 – 2014/15) across three funds (Ontario Youth Innovation Fund, Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Fund, and Youth Skills Connections) the following investments were made in 2014/15:

Youth Skills Connections¹

• Youth Skills Connections invested over $12M in an additional 46 organizations bringing the two year total to 97 projects funded.
  • Over 1,100 partners were engaged in the program to support more than 3,400 youth in skills training and employment opportunities.

Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Fund

• High School Entrepreneurship Outreach invested $3M in 10 additional large-scale initiatives to spark an interest in entrepreneurship and its viability as a career solution to high school students.
  • Over 65,000 students were reached by program initiatives this year².
  • The Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch video competition received 209 entries, more than double the number from the previous year.
• Summer Company received a top-up investment of $1.4M to help 940 students launched their own summer business - almost double the number of opportunities prior to the Strategy.
• Starter Company invested a further $1.6 million (for a total investment of $9M over two years) into training, mentorship and start-up grants for young entrepreneurs and youth-led businesses.
  • Over 1500 youth participated in the program leading to the creation of more than 400 businesses and over 500 jobs³.
• Strategic Community Entrepreneurship Projects invested $3.3M in an additional 24 non-profit organizations (bringing the total to 42 over two years) to help vulnerable youth gain the skills necessary to enter self-employment or start a small scale business.
  • Over 900 youth, including Aboriginal youth, Francophone youth, youth with disabilities, and youth from high-needs communities, have participated in training and a third of them have started a business⁴.
• Youth Business Acceleration Program invested $2M to support the development of technology companies by young entrepreneurs.
  • Over 900 jobs have been created to date through the program.

As part of the Program, Embark Funding was launched on September 22, 2014.This initiative was specifically designed to not only create an employment opportunities for youth, but to also generate impact on Ontario technology start-ups by allowing them to engage young professionals (aged 22 - 29) in a business role to assist in the advancement of their ventures⁵.

• Smart Start Seed Capital Fund received an additional $7M funding to seed stage grants of up to $35,000 to enable promising youth-led ventures to reach early milestones in creating and growing their start-ups.
  • Over 60 businesses have received investment with additional applications in the pipeline⁶.
• Youth Investment Accelerator Fund invested $7M to continue support for emerging technology companies led by young entrepreneurs. The fund provides investment capital of up to $250,000 for second-stage growth needs.
  • 9 companies have received investments supporting over 80 jobs.

Ontario Youth Innovation Fund⁷

• Campus-linked Accelerators invested $15M to support Ontario’s colleges and universities in creating, improving, and sustaining campus-linked entrepreneurship programs and accelerators for students and youth in their regions.
  • 42 institutions have been engaged.
  • Over 20,000 post-secondary students have been involved in entrepreneurship activities on campus.
• Talent Edge did not receive any funding in 2014/15 but continued to implement internships and fellowship opportunities to work on collaborative R&D projects between academic institutions and industry.
  • Over 325 graduate and PhD placements were provided.

7. Support entrepreneurs, build commercialization and stimulate an ideas economy

The Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) helped the province’s entrepreneurs and companies by:

• Assisting existing and aspiring high-growth SMEs to achieve over $426M in sales, $232M of which are export sales.
• Creating/retaining more than 22,800 jobs.
• Helping to launch over 9,500 firms (2,500 innovation/technology-based entrepreneurs and firms; 7,000 “main street” entrepreneurs and firms.
• Training over 4,000 highly qualified personnel.

More specifically, the ONE helped:

• Technology-based entrepreneurs and/or firms through Regional Innovation Centres in 2013-2014 to:
  • Leverage more than $869 million, including over $636 million from the private sector.
  • Create just under 8,000 jobs.
  • Launch more than 900 new firms.
  • Obtain just under 400 patents on new ideas and technologies.
  • Develop more than 3,400 prototypes.
  • Bring over 4,500 new products and services into the marketplace.
• “Main Street” businesses, by working with Small Business Enterprise Centres, to produce the following results in 2014-15:
  • Facilitated the start-up of 4,184 businesses and 1,210 business expansions.
  • Handled over 195,922 person-to-person general business inquiries and recording over 2,902,532 online contacts, including social media contacts.
  • Conducted over 27,773 one-on-one consultations of which more than 10,661 were repeat consultations.
  • Delivered over 2,364 seminars and workshops to more than 31,570 business clients.
  • Hosted 146 major small business events including 35 Bridges to Better Business events: 52 e-business events, 30 Women’s events, 11 Aboriginal events and 18 Francophone events
• Potential high growth and high growth firms through its Business Advisory Services, resulting in:
  • Over 2,300 business consultations.
  • 2,832 new jobs created and over 5,750 jobs retained, over $426 million in new sales, including over $232 million in international exports.
  • Over $171 million in inter provincial sales to the Alberta oil sands.
  • Over $542 million in new investment projects.
  • Over $46 million in funding from public sector debt, tax credits and grants and private sector sources.

8. Maintain a robust venture capital industry

• Through the Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund (OETF), invested over $88 million in 27 companies.
• Through the Ontario Venture Capital Fund (OVCF), Ontario’s commitment of $90 million has leveraged over $1 billion in third-party capital.
• Between 2008 and 2013 Ontario-based companies in the OVCF portfolio, on an aggregate basis:
  • Recorded $687.5 million in revenue;
  • Dedicated $143.2 million to research and development, and employed 1,611 people.
• To date the Northleaf Venture Catalyst Fund (NVCF) has announced commitments to six leading Canadian venture capital funds and invested in five companies totalling over $115 million.

Table 3: Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures 2014-15

* Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2015 Ontario Budget.
** Ontario Public Service Full-Time Equivalent positions.

* Excludes the following Consolidation Adjustments:

• Consolidation Adjustment - Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation
• Consolidation Adjustment – Hospitals
• Consolidation Adjustment – Colleges
• Consolidation Adjustment – Ontario Capital Growth Corporation
• Consolidation Adjustment – General Real Estate Portfolio
• Consolidation Adjustment – Transmission Corridor Program
• Consolidation Adjustment – Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation