Summary

The Ministry oversees the management and preservation of Ontario’s natural resources, including forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates, petroleum resources and Crown lands.

The Ministry envisions a healthy and naturally diverse environment that enables and contributes to sustainable development in Ontario.

The Ministry's mission is to protect and manage our natural resources in a sustainable way to ensure that they are available for the enjoyment and use of future generations.

The Ministry strives to achieve its vision and mission through promoting knowledge of Ontario’s natural resources, their management and opportunities for enjoyment; strengthening management of natural resources to ensure environmental integrity and resilience; and increasing natural resource-related economic benefits through innovation and sustainable resource management.

Ministry program summary

VoteProgram

Estimates
2021-22

Estimates
2020-21

Difference
between
2021-22
and
2020-21

Actual
2019-20

 Operating expense    
2101Ministry Administration Program$38,388,500$33,131,200$5,257,300$41,101,113
2103Natural Resource Management Program$282,766,900$274,201,600$8,565,300$275,215,782
2104Public Protection$130,480,500$129,521,000$959,500$165,299,922
2105Land and Resources Information and Information Technology Cluster Program$29,443,700$27,774,000$1,669,700$27,126,398
 Total operating expense to be voted$481,079,600$464,627,800$16,451,800$508,743,215
 Statutory appropriations$5,167,014$5,167,014-$2,015,183
 Ministry total operating expense$486,246,614$469,794,814$16,451,800$510,758,398
 Operating expense adjustment - Special Purpose Accounts for Fish and Wildlife$75,000,000$75,000,000-$71,221,914
 Consolidation adjustment - Algonquin Forest Authority$23,795,000$23,918,500($123,500)$26,587,118
 Consolidation adjustment - Forest Renewal Trust$60,108,500$58,082,000$2,026,500$49,796,911
 Operating expense adjustment - Section 15 Recoveries---$5,139,144
 Consolidation adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio($21,615,000)($19,043,200)($2,571,800)($34,012,534)
 Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation---($717,059)
 Total including consolidation & other adjustments$623,535,114$607,752,114$15,783,000$628,773,892
 Operating assets    
2101Ministry Administration Program$1,000$1,000--
2103Natural Resource Management Program$4,394,200$4,824,000($429,800)$2,912,000
2104Public Protection$49,500$49,500-$49,557
2105Land and Resources Information and Information Technology Cluster Program$1,000$1,000--
 Total operating assets to be voted$4,445,700$4,875,500($429,800)$2,961,557
 Ministry total operating assets$4,445,700$4,875,500($429,800)$2,961,557
 Capital expense    
2103Natural Resource Management Program$27,462,900$16,859,600$10,603,300$21,665,619
2104Public Protection$5,203,800$1,236,500$3,967,300$1,321,451
 Total capital expense to be voted$32,666,700$18,096,100$14,570,600$22,987,070
 Statutory appropriations$17,463,400$19,997,100($2,533,700)$13,899,324
 Ministry total capital expense$50,130,100$38,093,200$12,036,900$36,886,394
 Consolidation adjustment - Algonquin Forest Authority$250,000$241,500$8,500$200,995
 Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation---($596,924)
 Consolidation adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio($598,800)-($598,800)-
 Total including consolidation & other adjustments$49,781,300$38,334,700$11,446,600$36,490,465
 Capital assets    
2103Natural Resource Management Program$37,947,100$534,255,300($496,308,200)$25,918,605
2104Public Protection$8,490,100$15,608,400($7,118,300)$12,635,851
 Total capital assets to be voted$46,437,200$549,863,700($503,426,500)$38,554,456
 Ministry total capital assets$46,437,200$549,863,700($503,426,500)$38,554,456
 Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets)$673,316,414$646,086,814$27,229,600$665,264,357

Reconciliation to previously published data

Operating expense

2020-21
Estimates

2019-20
Actual

Total operating expense previously published footnote 1$474,973,814$522,901,098
Government reorganization  

   Transfer of functions to other Ministries

($5,179,000)($12,142,700)
Restated total operating expense$469,794,814$510,758,398

 

Capital assets

2020-21
Estimates

2019-20
Actual

Total Capital Assets previously published footnote 2$49,863,700$38,554,456
Supplementary estimates  

   2020-21 Supplementary estimates

$500,000,000-
Restated total capital assets$549,863,700$38,554,456

Ministry Administration Program - vote 2101

The Administration Program provides strategic management leadership and advice, legal counsel, communications and administrative services in support of business areas.

The program also provides leadership and advice in business planning, financial management, controllership and human resource management.

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2021-22

Estimates
2020-21

Difference
between
2021-22
and
2020-21

Actual
2019-20

 Operating expense    
1Ministry administration$38,388,500$33,131,200$5,257,300$41,101,113
 Total operating expense to be voted$38,388,500$33,131,200$5,257,300$41,101,113
SMinister's salary, the Executive Council Act

 

$47,841$47,841-$49,301
SParliamentary assistant's salary, the Executive Council Act

 

$16,173$16,173-$16,667
SBad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act$1,000$1,000--
 Total statutory appropriations$65,014$65,014-$65,968
 Total operating expense$38,453,514$33,196,214$5,257,300$41,167,081
 Operating assets    
10Accounts receivable$1,000$1,000--
 Total operating assets to be voted$1,000$1,000--
 Total operating assets$1,000$1,000--

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		Standard account by item and sub-itemsAmountAmount
 Operating expense  
2101-1Ministry administration  
 

Salaries and wages

 $16,496,300
 

Employee benefits

 $4,969,500
 

Transportation and communication

 $339,200
 

Services

 $17,642,400
 

Supplies and equipment

 $104,300
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Youth Employment Programs

 $335,300
 Subtotal $39,887,000
 Less: recoveries $1,498,500
 Total operating expense to be voted $38,388,500
 Sub-items:  
 Main office  
 

Salaries and wages

$4,805,900 
 

Employee benefits

$601,600 
 

Transportation and communication

$178,000 
 

Services

$4,523,000 
 

Supplies and equipment

$29,900$10,138,400
 Finance and Administration  
 

Salaries and wages

$3,646,100 
 

Employee benefits

$505,200 
 

Transportation and communication

$40,200 
 

Services

$5,796,900 
 

Supplies and equipment

$19,100$10,007,500
 Human resources  
 

Salaries and wages

$5,054,700 
 

Employee benefits

$3,445,400 
 

Transportation and communication

$46,500 
 

Services

$417,100 
 

Supplies and equipment

$25,200 
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Youth Employment Programs

$335,300 
 

Subtotal

$9,324,200 
 

Less: recoveries

$1,498,500$7,825,700
 Communications services  
 

Salaries and wages

$2,927,600 
 

Employee benefits

$417,300 
 

Transportation and communication

$27,300 
 

Services

$621,800 
 

Supplies and equipment

$12,100$4,006,100
 Legal services  
 

Salaries and wages

$62,000 
 

Transportation and communication

$47,200 
 

Services

$6,283,600 
 

Supplies and equipment

$18,000$6,410,800
 Total operating expense to be voted $38,388,500
 Statutory appropriations  
Statutory

Minister's salary, the Executive Council Act

 $47,841
Statutory

Parliamentary assistant's salary, the Executive Council Act

 $16,173
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

 $1,000
 Total operating expense for Ministry Administration Program $38,453,514
 Operating assets  
2101-10Accounts receivable  
 

Advances and recoverable amounts

  
 

Advances and Recoverable - In-year Recoveries

 $1,000
 Total operating assets to be voted $1,000
 Total operating assets for Ministry Administration Program $1,000

Natural Resource Management Program - vote 2103

The Natural Resources Management Program provides leadership and oversight in the management of Ontario's forests, Crown land, water, renewable energy, aggregate and petroleum resources through the development, implementation and improvement of legislation, policies, programs, information systems and standards.

The Program endeavours to ensure a healthy, viable forest industry in Ontario, and foster a competitive business environment by promoting jobs and investment in the forestry sector.

The Natural Resources Management Program also provides leadership and oversight in the management of Ontario's fish and wildlife resources in order to promote a healthy and sustainable environment, preserve biodiversity, and enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation.

In addition, the Program provides leadership and oversight in the management of capital infrastructure assets such as fish culture facilities, Crown land, water, and other infrastructure investments including the development and application of geographic and land information and infrastructure to share such information to deliver ministry programs.

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2021-22

Estimates
2020-21

Difference
between
2021-22
and
2020-21

Actual
2019-20

 Operating expense    
1Sustainable Resource Management$282,766,900$274,201,600$8,565,300$275,215,782
 Total operating expense to be voted$282,766,900$274,201,600$8,565,300$275,215,782
SForest Renewal Trust, Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994$1,000$1,000--
SBad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act$5,091,000$5,091,000-$1,949,215
 Total statutory appropriations$5,092,000$5,092,000-$1,949,215
 Total operating expense$287,858,900$279,293,600$8,565,300$277,164,997
 Operating assets    
5Natural Resource Management – operating assets$4,394,200$4,824,000($429,800)$2,912,000
 Total operating assets to be voted$4,394,200$4,824,000($429,800)$2,912,000
 Total operating assets$4,394,200$4,824,000($429,800)$2,912,000
 Capital expense    
3Infrastructure for Natural Resource Management$27,461,900$16,858,600$10,603,300$21,665,619
6Environmental remediation$1,000$1,000--
 Total capital expense to be voted$27,462,900$16,859,600$10,603,300$21,665,619
SAmortization Expense, the Financial Administration Act$9,297,000$12,110,100($2,813,100)$9,833,725
 Total statutory appropriations$9,297,000$12,110,100($2,813,100)$9,833,725
 Total capital expense$36,759,900$28,969,700$7,790,200$31,499,344
 Capital assets    
4Infrastructure for Natural Resource Management – capital assets$37,947,100$534,255,300($496,308,200)$25,918,605
 Total capital assets to be voted$37,947,100$534,255,300($496,308,200)$25,918,605
 Total capital assets$37,947,100$534,255,300($496,308,200)$25,918,605

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		Standard account by item and sub-itemsAmountAmountAmount
 Operating expense   
2103-1Sustainable Resource Management   
 

Salaries and wages

  $167,274,200
 

Employee benefits

  $25,700,800
 

Transportation and communication

  $8,581,500
 

Services

  $143,959,100
 

Supplies and equipment

  $8,193,300
 

Transfer payments

   
 

Resource Revenue Sharing for Forestry

 $11,792,100 
 

Natural Resources Policy and Resource Stewardship

 $1,821,800 
 

Forestry Initiatives

 $9,350,000 
 

Support to the operation of the Experimental Lakes Area

 $2,000,000 
 

Provincial Services Resource Stewardship

 $520,000 
 

Regional Operations Support Programs

 $9,297,200 
 

Far North Program

 $1,500,000 
 

Fish and Wildlife Resource Stewardship

 $202,500$36,483,600
 Subtotal  $390,192,500
 Less: recoveries  $107,425,600
 Total operating expense to be voted  $282,766,900
 Sub-items:   
 Mapping and Geographic Information   
 

Salaries and wages

 $8,491,900 
 

Employee benefits

 $1,314,300 
 

Transportation and communication

 $87,500 
 

Services

 $5,035,500 
 

Supplies and equipment

 $160,500 
 

Subtotal

 $15,089,700 
 

Less: recoveries

 $5,700,000$9,389,700
 Policy and planning   
 

Salaries and wages

 $15,041,600 
 

Employee benefits

 $2,008,600 
 

Transportation and communication

 $375,000 
 

Services

 $1,887,900 
 

Supplies and equipment

 $60,000 
 

Transfer payments

   
 

Natural Resources Policy and Resource Stewardship

 $1,821,800$21,194,900
 Forest Industry   
 

Salaries and wages

 $7,638,300 
 

Employee benefits

 $1,073,200 
 

Transportation and communication

 $480,400 
 

Services

 $51,826,300 
 

Supplies and equipment

 $258,500 
 

Transfer payments

   
 

Resource Revenue Sharing for Forestry

$11,792,100  
 

Forestry Initiatives

$9,350,000$21,142,100$82,418,800
 Provincial Services, Science and Research   
 

Salaries and wages

 $32,563,300 
 

Employee benefits

 $5,153,700 
 

Transportation and communication

 $1,167,400 
 

Services

 $21,762,700 
 

Supplies and equipment

 $4,376,400 
 

Transfer payments

   
 

Support to the operation of the Experimental Lakes Area

$2,000,000  
 

Provincial Services Resource Stewardship

$520,000$2,520,000 
 

Subtotal

 $67,543,500 
 

Less: recoveries

 $20,670,000$46,873,500
 Regional operations   
 

Salaries and wages

 $63,062,300 
 

Employee benefits

 $10,086,400 
 

Transportation and communication

 $2,561,900 
 

Services

 $31,800,700 
 

Supplies and equipment

 $793,200 
 

Transfer payments

   
 

Regional Operations Support Programs

$9,297,200  
 

Far North Program

$1,500,000$10,797,200 
 

Subtotal

 $119,101,700 
 

Less: recoveries

 $6,055,600$113,046,100
 Fish and Wildlife Special Purpose Funds   
 

Salaries and wages

 $40,476,800 
 

Employee benefits

 $6,064,600 
 

Transportation and communication

 $3,909,300 
 

Services

 $21,803,100 
 

Supplies and equipment

 $2,544,700 
 

Transfer payments

   
 

Fish and Wildlife Resource Stewardship

 $202,500 
 

Subtotal

 $75,001,000 
 

Less: recoveries

 $75,000,000$1,000
 Program administration   
 

Services

 $9,842,900$9,842,900
 Total operating expense to be voted  $282,766,900
 Statutory appropriations   
 

Transfer payments

   
Statutory

Forest Renewal Trust, Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994

  $2,000
 

Less: recoveries

  $1,000
 Statutory appropriations   
 

Other transactions

   
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

  $5,091,000
 Total operating expense for Natural Resource Management Program  $287,858,900
 Operating assets   
2103-5Natural Resource Management – operating assets   
 

Deposits and prepaid expenses

  $4,393,200
 

Inventory held for resale

  $2,000
 Subtotal  $4,395,200
 Less: recoveries  $1,000
 Total operating assets to be voted  $4,394,200
 Total operating assets for Natural Resource Management Program  $4,394,200
 Capital expense   
2103-3Infrastructure for Natural Resource Management   
 

Transportation and communication

  $21,000
 

Services

  $21,710,300
 

Supplies and equipment

  $3,933,600
 

Transfer payments

   
 

Conservation Authorities Infrastructure

 $5,000,000 
 

Transfer of Real Property at Less Than Market Value

 $733,900$5,733,900
 Subtotal  $31,398,800
 Less: recoveries  $3,936,900
 Total capital expense to be voted  $27,461,900
 Sub-items:   
 Provincial Services, Science and Research   
 

Transportation and communication

 $20,000 
 

Services

 $272,000 
 

Supplies and equipment

 $3,931,600$4,223,600
 Regional operations   
 

Transportation and communication

 $1,000 
 

Services

 $16,068,300 
 

Supplies and equipment

 $1,000 
 

Transfer payments

   
 

Conservation Authorities Infrastructure

 $5,000,000 
 

Subtotal

 $21,070,300 
 

Less: recoveries

 $3,204,000$17,866,300
 Forest Industry   
 

Services

 $156,000$156,000
 Ministry Support Infrastructure   
 

Services

 $5,214,000 
 

Supplies and equipment

 $1,000 
 

Transfer payments

   
 

Transfer of Real Property at Less Than Market Value

 $733,900 
 

Subtotal

 $5,948,900 
 

Less: recoveries

 $732,900$5,216,000
 Total capital expense to be voted  $27,461,900
 Statutory appropriations   
 

Other transactions

   
Statutory

Amortization Expense, the Financial Administration Act

  $9,297,000
2103-6Environmental remediation   
 

Services

  $1,000
 Total capital expense to be voted  $1,000
 Total capital expense for Natural Resource Management Program  $36,759,900
 Capital assets   
2103-4Infrastructure for Natural Resource Management – capital assets   
 

Buildings - asset costs

  $9,427,700
 

Transportation infrastructure - asset costs

  $7,705,000
 

Leasehold improvements

  $755,000
 

Dams and engineering structures - asset costs

  $13,100,000
 

Machinery and equipment - asset costs

  $2,740,600
 

Land and marine fleet - asset costs

  $4,218,800
 Total capital assets to be voted  $37,947,100
 Sub-items:   
 Provincial Services, Science and Research   
 

Buildings - asset costs

 $4,189,700 
 

Dams and engineering structures - asset costs

 $1,000 
 

Machinery and equipment - asset costs

 $2,090,600 
 

Land and marine fleet - asset costs

 $4,218,800$10,500,100
 Regional operations   
 

Transportation infrastructure - asset costs

 $1,705,000 
 

Dams and engineering structures - asset costs

 $13,099,000$14,804,000
 Forest Industry   
 

Transportation infrastructure - asset costs

 $6,000,000 
 

Machinery and equipment - asset costs

 $300,000$6,300,000
 Ministry Support Infrastructure   
 

Buildings - asset costs

 $5,238,000 
 

Leasehold improvements

 $755,000 
 

Machinery and equipment - asset costs

 $350,000$6,343,000
 Total capital assets to be voted  $37,947,100
 Total capital assets for Natural Resource Management Program  $37,947,100

Public Protection - vote 2104

The Public Protection Program provides leadership for the delivery of the Ministry's emergency management program for the protection of people and property affected by wildland fires, flood, drought, erosion, soil/bedrock instability, and crude and natural gas exploration including natural gas and hydrocarbon underground storage, salt solution mining emergencies and other provincially significant emergencies where assistance is requested.

The program also has responsibility for the planning and provision, directly or indirectly, of non-scheduled air transportation for the Government of Ontario.

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2021-22

Estimates
2020-21

Difference
between
2021-22
and
2020-21

Actual
2019-20

 Operating expense    
1Public Protection$130,480,500$129,521,000$959,500$165,299,922
 Total operating expense to be voted$130,480,500$129,521,000$959,500$165,299,922
SBad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act$10,000$10,000--
 Total statutory appropriations$10,000$10,000--
 Total operating expense$130,490,500$129,531,000$959,500$165,299,922
 Operating assets    
3Public Safety and Emergency Response – operating assets$49,500$49,500-$49,557
 Total operating assets to be voted$49,500$49,500-$49,557
 Total operating assets$49,500$49,500-$49,557
 Capital expense    
5Infrastructure for Public Safety and Emergency Response$5,203,800$1,236,500$3,967,300$1,321,451
 Total capital expense to be voted$5,203,800$1,236,500$3,967,300$1,321,451
SAmortization Expense, the Financial Administration Act$8,166,400$7,887,000$279,400$4,065,599
 Total statutory appropriations$8,166,400$7,887,000$279,400$4,065,599
 Total capital expense$13,370,200$9,123,500$4,246,700$5,387,050
 Capital assets    
4Public Safety and Emergency Response – capital assets$8,490,100$15,608,400($7,118,300)$12,635,851
 Total capital assets to be voted$8,490,100$15,608,400($7,118,300)$12,635,851
 Total capital assets$8,490,100$15,608,400($7,118,300)$12,635,851

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		Standard account by item and sub-itemsAmountAmount
 Operating expense  
2104-1Public Protection  
 

Salaries and wages

 $73,813,000
 

Employee benefits

 $8,746,300
 

Transportation and communication

 $5,298,900
 

Services

 $85,356,000
 

Supplies and equipment

 $7,085,500
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Provincial Services Stewardship

$50,000 
 

Ontario FireSmart Communities Initiative

$200,000$250,000
 Subtotal $180,549,700
 Less: recoveries $50,069,200
 Total operating expense to be voted $130,480,500
 Sub-items:  
 Public Safety and Emergency Response  
 

Salaries and wages

$31,334,000 
 

Employee benefits

$2,980,000 
 

Transportation and communication

$1,900,000 
 

Services

$30,227,800 
 

Supplies and equipment

$3,653,000 
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Provincial Services Stewardship

$50,000 
 

Subtotal

$70,144,800 
 

Less: recoveries

$39,068,200$31,076,600
 Emergency Fire Fighting  
 

Salaries and wages

$42,479,000 
 

Employee benefits

$5,766,300 
 

Transportation and communication

$3,398,900 
 

Services

$55,128,200 
 

Supplies and equipment

$3,432,500 
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Ontario FireSmart Communities Initiative

$200,000 
 

Subtotal

$110,404,900 
 

Less: recoveries

$11,001,000$99,403,900
 Total operating expense to be voted $130,480,500
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

 $10,000
 Total operating expense for Public Protection $130,490,500
 Operating assets  
2104-3Public Safety and Emergency Response – operating assets  
 

Deposits and prepaid expenses

 $49,500
 Total operating assets to be voted $49,500
 Total operating assets for Public Protection $49,500
 Capital expense  
2104-5Infrastructure for Public Safety and Emergency Response  
 

Transportation and communication

 $1,000
 

Services

 $1,962,800
 

Supplies and equipment

 $3,239,000
 

Other transactions

 $1,000
 Total capital expense to be voted $5,203,800
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Amortization Expense, the Financial Administration Act

 $8,166,400
 Total capital expense for Public Protection $13,370,200
 Capital assets  
2104-4Public Safety and Emergency Response – capital assets  
 

Buildings - salaries and wages

 $249,300
 

Buildings - employee benefits

 $23,700
 

Buildings - asset costs

 $5,953,000
 

Dams and engineering structures - asset costs

 $702,100
 

Machinery and equipment - asset costs

 $1,000
 

Land and marine fleet - asset costs

 $1,000
 

Aircraft - asset costs

 $1,560,000
 Total capital assets to be voted $8,490,100
 Total capital assets for Public Protection $8,490,100

Land and Resources Information and Information Technology Cluster Program - vote 2105

The Land and Resources Cluster program provides leadership and program delivery in the development and application of information management and information technology for client ministries, specifically, Natural Resources and Forestry, Indigenous Affairs, Environment, Conservation and Parks, Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Energy, Northern Development and Mines. It is responsible for ensuring the delivery of an integrated Information Technology infrastructure to facilitate and streamline government operations through electronic service delivery and enhance government service through e-business and e-government.

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2021-22

Estimates
2020-21

Difference
between
2021-22
and
2020-21

Actual
2019-20

 Operating expense    
1Land and Resources Information Technology Cluster$29,443,700$27,774,000$1,669,700$27,126,398
 Total operating expense to be voted$29,443,700$27,774,000$1,669,700$27,126,398
 Total operating expense$29,443,700$27,774,000$1,669,700$27,126,398
 Operating assets    
2Land and Resources Information and Information Technology Cluster$1,000$1,000--
 Total operating assets to be voted$1,000$1,000--
 Total operating assets$1,000$1,000--

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		Standard account by item and sub-itemsAmount
 Operating expense 
2105-1Land and Resources Information Technology Cluster 
 

Salaries and wages

$20,129,300
 

Employee benefits

$2,622,400
 

Transportation and communication

$834,500
 

Services

$43,888,700
 

Supplies and equipment

$94,900
 Subtotal$67,569,800
 Less: recoveries$38,126,100
 Total operating expense to be voted$29,443,700
 Total operating expense for Land and Resources Information and Information Technology Cluster Program$29,443,700
 Operating assets 
2105-2Land and Resources Information and Information Technology Cluster 
 

Deposits and prepaid expenses

$1,000
 Total operating assets to be voted$1,000
 Total operating assets for Land and Resources Information and Information Technology Cluster Program$1,000