Summary

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

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

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

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

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

Ministry program summary

VoteProgram

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense

3801Ministry Administration Program24,428,10023,548,300879,80025,786,363
3803Sport, Recreation and Community Programs60,664,60057,814,2002,850,40054,561,972
3805Tourism and Culture Programs92,014,90091,534,400480,500319,407,012
3806Ontario Trillium Foundation Program103,557,000103,557,000-103,557,000
3808Ontario cultural media tax credits1,034,448,800906,067,300128,381,500884,281,438
3811Agency Programs209,540,300204,111,5005,428,800209,860,789
 Total operating expense to be voted1,524,653,7001,386,632,700138,021,0001,597,454,574
 Statutory appropriations83,18783,187-82,635
 Ministry total operating expense1,524,736,8871,386,715,887138,021,0001,597,537,209
 Consolidation adjustment - Metro Toronto Convention Centre55,035,80047,015,7008,020,10041,586,459
 Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation(1,589,200)(901,000)(688,200)4,268,928
 Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Trillium Foundation21,732,10022,037,000(304,900)28,287,630
 Consolidation adjustment - Royal Ontario Museum46,801,30039,744,2007,057,10041,838,516
 Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Arts Council8,371,1002,011,1006,360,0001,037,098
 Consolidation adjustment - Niagara Parks Commission112,497,90089,372,90023,125,00084,546,953
 Consolidation adjustment - Ottawa Convention Centre21,115,10016,187,8004,927,30015,668,776
 Consolidation adjustment - Science North12,949,7007,096,2005,853,50016,760,719
 Consolidation adjustment - St. Lawrence Parks17,983,60014,352,7003,630,90015,209,364
 Consolidation adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio(1,172,000)(935,400)(236,600)(930,316)
 Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments1,818,462,2871,622,697,087195,765,2001,845,811,336

Capital expense

3801Ministry Administration Program4,0004,000--
3804Tourism and Culture Capital Program85,174,40042,668,40042,506,00033,435,453
3805Tourism and Culture Programs1,0001,000--
3811Agency Programs1,0001,000--
 Total capital expense to be voted85,180,40042,674,40042,506,00033,435,453
 Statutory appropriations4,0004,000--
 Ministry total capital expense85,184,40042,678,40042,506,00033,435,453
 Consolidation adjustment - Metro Toronto Convention Centre11,400,00011,000,000400,00010,712,565
 Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation303,200584,000(280,800)631,048
 Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Trillium Foundation94,00081,00013,000119,135
 Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation---(2,117,719)
 Consolidation adjustment - Royal Ontario Museum14,414,40014,100,000314,40010,446,832
 Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Arts Council214,600222,300(7,700)225,983
 Consolidation adjustment - Niagara Parks Commission14,520,80012,929,9001,590,90011,200,461
 Consolidation adjustment - Ottawa Convention Centre5,484,1004,830,000654,1002,924,802
 Consolidation adjustment - Science North2,850,0003,010,600(160,600)2,385,511
 Consolidation adjustment - St. Lawrence Parks1,769,500(4,530,800)6,300,300(2,929,663)
 Total Including Consolidation & Other Adjustments136,235,00084,905,40051,329,60067,034,408

Capital assets

3801Ministry Administration Program3,0003,000--
3805Tourism and Culture Programs1,0001,000--
3811Agency Programs1,0001,000--
 Total capital assets to be voted5,0005,000--
 Ministry total capital assets5,0005,000--
 Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets)1,954,697,2871,707,602,487247,094,8001,912,845,744

Reconciliation to previously published data

Operating expense

Estimates
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Total operating expense previously published footnote 11,406,134,6871,635,551,003
Government reorganization  

Transfer of functions to other Ministries

(19,418,800)(38,013,794)
Restated total operating expense1,386,715,8871,597,537,209
Capital expense

Estimates
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Total capital expense previously published footnote 242,678,40053,662,653
Government reorganization  

Transfer of functions to other Ministries

-(20,227,200)
Restated total capital expense42,678,40033,435,453

Ministry Administration Program - vote 3801

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

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense

1Ministry administration24,428,10023,548,300879,80025,786,363
 Total operating expense to be voted24,428,10023,548,300879,80025,786,363
SMinister's salary, the Executive Council Act47,84147,841-49,301
SParliamentary assistants' salaries, the Executive Council Act32,34632,346-33,334
 Total statutory appropriations80,18780,187-82,635
 Total operating expense24,508,28723,628,487879,80025,868,998

Capital expense

3Ministry administration4,0004,000--
 Total capital expense to be voted4,0004,000--
SAmortization, the Financial Administration Act2,0002,000--
 Total statutory appropriations2,0002,000--
 Total capital expense6,0006,000--

Capital assets

2Ministry administration3,0003,000--
 Total capital assets to be voted3,0003,000--
 Total capital assets3,0003,000--

Standard account by item and sub-items

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

Operating expense

3801-1Ministry administration  
 

Salaries and wages

 17,454,200
 

Employee benefits

 1,941,900
 

Transportation and communication

 920,400
 

Services

 3,526,700
 

Supplies and equipment

 584,900
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Summer Experience Program (SEP)

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

Salaries and wages

2,651,700 
 

Employee benefits

302,100 
 

Transportation and communication

191,100 
 

Services

86,300 
 

Supplies and equipment

83,4003,314,600
 Communications services  
 

Salaries and wages

2,162,100 
 

Employee benefits

348,400 
 

Transportation and communication

48,000 
 

Services

90,500 
 

Supplies and equipment

121,0002,770,000
 Information Technology  
 

Services

1,155,1001,155,100
 Legal services  
 

Transportation and communication

17,500 
 

Services

2,095,000 
 

Supplies and equipment

12,4002,124,900
 Regional services  
 

Salaries and wages

6,147,400 
 

Employee benefits

614,500 
 

Transportation and communication

541,200 
 

Supplies and equipment

227,100 
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Summer Experience Program (SEP)

1,000 
 

Subtotal

7,531,200 
 

Less: recoveries

1,0007,530,200
 Human resources  
 

Salaries and wages

1,290,000 
 

Employee benefits

91,000 
 

Transportation and communication

24,400 
 

Services

53,700 
 

Supplies and equipment

26,2001,485,300
 Financial and administrative support services  
 

Salaries and wages

3,243,700 
 

Employee benefits

380,200 
 

Transportation and communication

70,000 
 

Services

26,700 
 

Supplies and equipment

95,3003,815,900
 Strategic Policy Development and Planning  
 

Salaries and wages

1,959,300 
 

Employee benefits

205,700 
 

Transportation and communication

28,200 
 

Services

19,400 
 

Supplies and equipment

19,5002,232,100
 Total operating expense to be voted 24,428,100
 Statutory appropriations  
Statutory

Minister's salary, the Executive Council Act

 47,841
Statutory

Parliamentary assistants' salaries, the Executive Council Act

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

Capital expense

3801-3Ministry administration  
 

Other transactions

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

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Amortization, the Financial Administration Act

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

Capital assets

3801-2Ministry administration  
 

Land

 1,000
 

Land and marine fleet - asset costs

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

Sport, Recreation and Community Programs - vote 3803

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

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

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

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

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

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense

1Sport, Recreation and Community60,664,60057,814,2002,850,40054,561,972
 Total operating expense to be voted60,664,60057,814,2002,850,40054,561,972
SBad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act1,0001,000--
 Total statutory appropriations1,0001,000--
 Total operating expense60,665,60057,815,2002,850,40054,561,972

Standard account by item and sub-items

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

Operating expense

3803-1Sport, Recreation and Community  
 

Salaries and wages

 4,496,600
 

Employee benefits

 438,400
 

Transportation and communication

 380,200
 

Services

 713,100
 

Supplies and equipment

 408,100
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Sport Development Funds

17,030,500 
 

Direct Athlete Supports

3,100,000 
 

Inclusive Grassroots Recreation Grants

3,172,000 
 

Indigenous and Youth Recreation Funds

21,102,200 
 

Sport Events and Initiatives Grants

9,823,50054,228,200
 Total operating expense to be voted 60,664,600
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

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

Tourism and Culture Capital Program - vote 3804

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

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Capital expense

1Tourism and Culture Capital85,174,40042,668,40042,506,00033,435,453
 Total capital expense to be voted85,174,40042,668,40042,506,00033,435,453
 Total capital expense85,174,40042,668,40042,506,00033,435,453

Standard account by item and sub-items

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

Capital expense

3804-1Tourism and Culture Capital  
 

Services

 3,001,000
 

Supplies and equipment

 1,000
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Grants in Support of Sport and Recreation

50,001,000 
 

Agencies and Attractions Capital Sector Support

2,100,000 
 

Repairs and Rehabilitation Capital

30,071,40082,172,400
 Total capital expense to be voted 85,174,400
 Total capital expense for Tourism and Culture Capital Program 85,174,400

Tourism and Culture Programs - vote 3805

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

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating assets

1Tourism and culture programs92,014,90091,534,400480,500319,407,012
 Total operating expense to be voted92,014,90091,534,400480,500319,407,012
SBad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act1,0001,000--
 Total statutory appropriations1,0001,000--
 Total operating expense92,015,90091,535,400480,500319,407,012

Capital expense

3Tourism and culture programs1,0001,000--
 Total capital expense to be voted1,0001,000--
SAmortization, the Financial Administration Act1,0001,000--
 Total statutory appropriations1,0001,000--
 Total capital expense2,0002,000--

Capital assets

2Tourism and culture programs1,0001,000--
 Total capital assets to be voted1,0001,000--
 Total capital assets1,0001,000--

Standard account by item and sub-items

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

Operating expense

3805-1Tourism and Culture Programs  
 

Salaries and wages

 7,953,100
 

Employee benefits

 858,000
 

Transportation and communication

 148,700
 

Services

 972,300
 

Supplies and equipment

 92,600
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Festivals Events and Attractions Grants

19,500,000 
 

Tourism Regions Funds

19,954,200 
 

Tourism Grants

1,000 
 

Arts and Culture Sector Funds

2,125,000 
 

Library Sector Statutory Supports

22,653,400 
 

Library Sector Funds

6,490,200 
 

Library Sector Grants

1,000 
 

Museum Sector Statutory Supports

4,894,600 
 

Museum Sector Grants

1,000 
 

Arts and Culture Sector Grants

5,870,800 
 

Tourism Investment and Development Grants

500,00081,991,200
 Subtotal 92,015,900
 Less: recoveries 1,000
 Total operating expense to be voted 92,014,900
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

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

Capital expense

3805-3Tourism and Culture Programs  
 

Other transactions

 1,000
 Total capital expense to be voted 1,000
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Amortization, the Financial Administration Act

 1,000
 Total capital expense for Tourism and Culture Programs 2,000

Capital assets

3805-2Tourism and Culture Programs  
 

Land and marine fleet - asset costs

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

Ontario Trillium Foundation Program - vote 3806

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

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense

1Ontario Trillium Foundation103,557,000103,557,000-103,557,000
 Total operating expense to be voted103,557,000103,557,000-103,557,000
 Total operating expense103,557,000103,557,000-103,557,000

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number
Standard account by item and sub-itemsAmount $

Operating expense

3806-1Ontario Trillium Foundation 
 

Transfer payments

 
 

Ontario Trillium Foundation

103,557,000
 Total operating expense to be voted103,557,000
 Total operating expense for Ontario Trillium Foundation Program103,557,000

Ontario Cultural Media Tax Credits - vote 3808

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

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

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense

1Ontario cultural media tax credits1,034,448,800906,067,300128,381,500884,281,438
 Total operating expense to be voted1,034,448,800906,067,300128,381,500884,281,438
 Total operating expense1,034,448,800906,067,300128,381,500884,281,438

Standard account by item and sub-items

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

Operating expense

3808-1Ontario cultural media tax credits  
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Ontario Book Publishing Tax Credit

4,608,500 
 

Ontario Computer Animation and Special Effects Tax Credit

80,432,700 
 

Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit

322,806,900 
 

Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit

102,027,700 
 

Ontario Production Services Tax Credit

524,573,0001,034,448,800
 Total operating expense to be voted 1,034,448,800
 Total operating expense for Ontario Cultural Media Tax Credits 1,034,448,800

Agency Programs - vote 3811

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

Vote summary

Item numberItem

Estimates
2024-25 $

Estimates
2023-24 $

Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $

Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense

1Agency Programs209,540,300204,111,5005,428,800209,860,789
 Total operating expense to be voted209,540,300204,111,5005,428,800209,860,789
SBad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act1,0001,000--
 Total statutory appropriations1,0001,000--
 Total operating expense209,541,300204,112,5005,428,800209,860,789

Capital expense

3Agency Programs1,0001,000--
 Total capital expense to be voted1,0001,000--
SAmortization, the Financial Administration Act1,0001,000--
 Total statutory appropriations1,0001,000--
 Total capital expense2,0002,000--

Capital assets

2Agency Programs1,0001,000--
 Total capital assets to be voted1,0001,000--
 Total capital assets1,0001,000--

Standard account by item and sub-items

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

Operating expense

3811-1Agency Programs  
 

Salaries and wages

 7,583,600
 

Employee benefits

 1,061,000
 

Transportation and communication

 161,200
 

Services

 1,898,800
 

Supplies and equipment

 809,800
 

Transfer payments

  
 

Art Gallery of Ontario

21,072,300 
 

Royal Ontario Museum

27,280,900 
 

McMichael Canadian Collection

3,328,800 
 

Science North

6,828,900 
 

Ontario Arts Council

59,937,400 
 

Ontario Media Development Corporation

35,450,300 
 

St. Lawrence Parks Commission

7,122,800 
 

Agencies and Attractions Sector Support

1,000 
 

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation

32,967,500 
 

Royal Botanical Gardens

4,036,000198,025,900
 Total operating expense to be voted 209,540,300
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

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

Capital expense

3811-3Agency Programs  
 

Other transactions

 1,000
 Total capital expense to be voted 1,000
 Statutory appropriations  
 

Other transactions

  
Statutory

Amortization, the Financial Administration Act

 1,000
 Total capital expense for Agency Programs 2,000

Capital assets

3811-2Agency Programs  
 

Land and marine fleet - asset costs

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