Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario 2025-2030

---

• Background
• Current context
• Overview
• Priority Actions
  • Building Northern Ontario Strong
    • Growing economic development capacity
    • Supporting critical infrastructure development
    • Strengthening the workforce
  • Growing Companies and Markets
    • Enhancing investment readiness and reducing barriers to trade
    • Improving access to capital, pathfinding and business services
    • Growing priority and emerging sectors
  • Innovation to Drive Productivity
    • Encouraging new ideas and collaboration
    • Boosting rural and Northern innovation
    • Promoting technology adoption
• Implementation 2025–2030

---

Background

The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario (PGSNO) is led by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) and reflects a whole-of-government approach to catalyze strong economic development in the region. The PGSNO recognizes the importance of place-based solutions to address the specific needs and challenges faced by residents, communities, and businesses in Northern Ontario.

Since its launch in 2018, the PGSNO has helped to drive federal investments in the region and accelerate economic development. Given changes in the economic landscape over the last five years, there is a clear opportunity for renewal and transformation. FedNor initiated a refresh of the strategy in 2024–25 to establish a new and ambitious direction, focused on maximizing the economic potential of the region.

In early 2024, FedNor released a progress report detailing efforts to date and notable achievements across various economic indicators. The report also helped identify ongoing challenges and areas needing further attention and public engagement.

From July to October 2024, FedNor engaged over 300 stakeholders through 22 roundtable sessions and accepted several written submissions. Participants reviewed progress, identified regional gaps and opportunities, and discussed future priorities and actions from a place-based perspective. After the sessions concluded, FedNor conducted a validation survey to confirm what was heard during the discussions and further prioritize identified areas of action. This process resulted in the What We Heard Report.

Using the feedback received throughout the engagement process, the PGSNO priorities were adjusted to reflect current realities, address regional challenges, and capitalize on economic opportunities. Ultimately, the refresh aims to ensure the PGSNO remains relevant and responsive to the needs of Northern Ontario’s businesses and communities while strengthening the region’s role in the broader Canadian economy and driving a new era of economic development.

FedNor wants to thank all participants for their time, knowledge and dedication over the last year. Through these collaborative efforts, we are pleased to present to you, the new Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario: 2025–2030.

Current context

Northern Ontario covers 90% of the province's landmass and represents 6% of its population.^{Footnote 1} The region is home to 856,193 people with more than half residing in its five largest centres.^{Footnote 2} The remaining residents live in small and dispersed communities across the region, over 80% of whom have a population of fewer than 2,000 people.^{Footnote 3}

Northern Ontario is home to 150 municipalities and 106 First Nations.^{Footnote 4 Footnote 5}  Of these communities, 28 are unconnected, meaning they are accessible by air travel only, or a combination of air travel and alternate modes of travel such as winter roads, when conditions allow. Almost all fly-in communities (27 out of 28) are First Nations, and the majority are located in the northwestern region. Northern Ontario is home to a larger population of Indigenous Peoples (17%) compared to the province (3%) and Canada (5%).  Of those in Northern Ontario, 69% were First Nations, 29% Métis, and less than 1% Inuit.

Northern Ontario is also home to 23 official language minority communities (OLMCs),^{Footnote 6 Footnote 7 Footnote 8 Footnote 9} where 92,500 Francophones reside.^{Footnote 10 Footnote 11 Footnote 12} Francophones represented 15% of Northern Ontario's population in 2021, compared to 4% in Ontario and 4% in Canada (outside of Quebec), with a high concentration in the northeastern region. However, OLMCs have also been facing significant out-migration. The Francophone population declined by 5.6% from 2016 to 2021 in the region, compared to the total population's 1.9% growth.

Economic growth in Northern Ontario has traditionally been slow compared to the rest of Ontario and Canada. In 2024, Northern Ontario's gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at $34.6 billion—about 4% of Ontario's total GDP—despite the region representing 6% of the province's population.^{Footnote 13 Footnote 14 Footnote 15} The largest sector was mining, making up 15% of the region's real GDP.

Focused on primary sectors like mining and forestry means the region's economic growth is particularly vulnerable to global economic cycles. The greater distances between communities leads to higher costs of doing business; the costs associated with developing infrastructure including housing, broadband and transportation, as well as challenges accessing basic programming and services, can stifle economic growth. Additionally, Northern Ontario's economy is being impacted by far-reaching and complex external factors, such as global trade tensions, which have resulted in sharp increases in inflation, high interest rates, labour market challenges, and supply chain disruptions.

Northern Ontario’s economy is also vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Temperatures in the region are rising at three times the rate of the global average, bringing extreme weather and an increased risk of flooding and wildfires, threatening infrastructure and food security, and affecting economic sectors including forestry, mining, agriculture, tourism, and the Indigenous economy.

Despite these challenges, Northern Ontario boasts many opportunities, including a strong innovation ecosystem, and an abundance of natural resources, such as rare minerals, massive forests, and undeveloped agricultural land. The increased demand for natural resources, including precious and base metals, wood products, and biofuels, along with the transition to a low-carbon economy and the need for responsibly sourced critical minerals, presents Northern Ontario with unique competitive advantages. To capitalize on these opportunities, there is a heightened need for strategic investments that maximize innovative potential.

In this context, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role; they are the foundation of the Canadian economy and key drivers of regional growth. As of June 2024, the region had 73,300 businesses, approximately 25,600 of which had employees. Nearly all of these (99.7%) were SMEs, with only 77 classified as large employers (500 or more employees).

Table 1. Northern Ontario key facts

Gross domestic product (GDP) (2024)	$34.6 billion—about 4% of Ontario's total GDP Footnote 16 Footnote 17
Population (2021)	856,193 (6% of Ontario's population)Footnote 18
Indigenous Peoples (2021)	140,320 (16% of Northern Ontario's population, or 35% of Ontario's Indigenous population) Footnote 19
Number of communities	150 municipalities, 80% with less than 2,000 residents 23 official language minority communitiesFootnote 20 106 First Nation communities 28 unconnected communitiesFootnote a
Largest cities (2023)	Greater Sudbury, CMAFootnote b (185,230) Thunder Bay, CMA Footnote b (130,752) Sault Ste. Marie, CAFootnote c (85,033) North Bay, CAFootnote c (79,732) Timmins, CAFootnote c (44,819) Footnote 21

Overview

Vision

The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario: a strategic framework for regional economic development and unlocking Northern Ontario’s full potential.

The PGSNO outlines priorities and actions across three areas: building Northern Ontario strong, growing companies and markets, and innovation to drive productivity.

Five guiding principles

The refreshed PGSNO is guided by principles that ensure actions are efficient, collaborative, and responsive. It prioritizes evidence-based planning and is committed to fostering Indigenous economic prosperity. This includes leveraging existing federal partnerships and cooperative mechanisms with Indigenous communities to advance the objectives of the Strategy. The following are five key guiding principles that will further the PGSNO:

Intended outcomes

The PGSNO encourages greater regional collaboration, working closely with the province, municipalities and Indigenous Peoples. It supports projects that address the needs of Northern Ontario, enabling regional stakeholders to leverage the abundance of economic opportunities and create new partnerships on a national and global scale. Overall, the strategy aims to create high-paying jobs for generations to come by facilitating:

• Stronger, more diverse communities better equipped to seize opportunities.
• Increased employment and labour market participation.
• Increased trade, exports and expanded access to new markets.
• Enhanced business growth and greater access to capital.
• Greater innovation across the region to accelerate business growth.
• More businesses developing and adopting technologies.

---

Priority actions

Growing economic development capacity

To build Northern Ontario strong, the Government will work closely with the province, municipalities, Indigenous Peoples and other regional stakeholders to identify and catalyse projects of regional and national economic significance. As a whole-of-government strategy, departments will work together to support small, rural, remote communities, including Indigenous and Francophone communities, to enable them to take advantage of these economic opportunities. Financial support will be provided to develop community plans, hire economic development officers, project managers, and technical experts. Efforts will also include advocacy, pathfinding and advancing partnerships to connect communities to regional opportunities.

Through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, the Government of Canada will fund projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions that support community economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario. By investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and First Nations, communities will be better positioned to attract new business investment, create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.

Additional federal efforts include Indigenous Services Canada’s community economic development programming aimed at supporting Indigenous businesses, developing land on reserve and assisting in land management strategies. For example, the Lands and Economic Development Services Program will continue to support First Nation communities to enhance local economic development opportunities, land and environmental capacity, and establish the conditions necessary for economic growth.

Efforts will also be made to better connect local First Nation communities in the region to opportunities offered by Indigenous-led national organizations. This includes financing, expertise, and networking opportunities provided by the First Nations Major Project Coalition, the First Nations Financial Authority, the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Tax Commission, and the First Nation Economic Developers Officers Association.

Supporting critical infrastructure development

Housing

Access to suitable and affordable housing is essential for any thriving community. A safe and adequate housing supply strengthens the middle class and drives local economic growth.

Recognizing both the economic benefits and growing demand for homes, the Government of Canada is committed to catalysing a modern housing industry in Northern Ontario, particularly through modular and innovative housing solutions that can make housing more affordable. The government will focus on building regional capacity to construct and deliver homes and generate new careers in the skilled trades, all while ensuring that these projects are economically viable and sustainable.

The federal government will work collaboratively across provincial and municipal governments to encourage greater public-private cooperation and unlock new investments. Aligned with Solving the Housing Crisis: Canada's Housing Plan, these policies will offer incentives and streamline processes to make collaboration with new investors more efficient and attractive in the region.

Broadband and mobile connectivity

Reliable and affordable high-speed Internet and mobile connectivity are essential for Canadians in all communities. They drive economic growth and enable access to opportunities and services that are fundamental to modern life. They are also crucial for communication, business growth, job applications, education, accessing government services, and public safety. As Canada's economy evolves, high-speed connectivity will become even more vital in fostering innovation and supporting a competitive workforce. High-speed internet is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.

Under the High-speed Access for All: Canada's Connectivity Strategy, the Government of Canada is committed to accelerating broadband and cellular connectivity projects in Northern Ontario. Canada remains on track for 98% of Canadian households to have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100% by 2030.

Within the Connectivity Strategy, the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) provides a total of $3.2 billion to support connectivity in underserved rural and remote communities, with significant investments in Northern Ontario. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Canada’s independent telecommunications regulator, will oversee connectivity projects in underserved communities and along major transportation roads across the region.

In addition, the Government will continue to explore leveraging regulatory tools that will enable new technologies to help improve mobile connectivity. For example, in February 2025, ISED released a decision on a regulatory framework allowing standard consumer devices (ie. cellphones) to connect directly with satellites, enhancing mobile connectivity outside terrestrial networks. Text services are anticipated to be available soon, with voice and data services to follow.

Recognizing Northern Ontario’s unique needs, the government will focus on collaborating with partners, including businesses, local communities, and regional stakeholders, to ensure more improvements to broadband and mobility connectivity are successful across the region.

Regional transportation

Transportation infrastructure is essential to connect Canada and to deepen our ties with the world. It helps local businesses access broader markets, attract tourists, and support sectors like agriculture, forestry, and mining. Improved transportation infrastructure reduces travel times, enhances safety, helps mitigate the impacts of severe weather and increases access to services, all of which contribute to economic development, more trade opportunities, and improved community well-being.

The Government of Canada will support initiatives to improve transportation infrastructure as it relates to economic development across Northern Ontario, including nation-building projects that connect and transform our country. This includes working alongside provincial partners, First Nation leaders, and the private sector, to enhance road infrastructure, such as building all-season road access to remote communities and highway expansions. Joint efforts will also focus on connecting energy extraction sites in remote areas to rail and road networks. Additionally, the government will continue to support improvements in airports, runways, and terminals to facilitate the transport of vital goods and passengers to fly-in communities.

When it comes to marine transportation, the federal government will support port development and new ferry services to expedite the flow of raw materials and goods to markets while bolstering tourism, as well as safeguard marine transportation infrastructure and transit operations through the provision of marine weather forecasts.

Other essential economic infrastructure

Many of the small, rural and remote communities in Northern Ontario lack access to basic economic infrastructure that supports local businesses. Retail spaces are essential for selling products and services, creating jobs, and encouraging complementary businesses, like cafes and restaurants. Thriving retail areas boost property values and generate tax revenues, which can be reinvested into community infrastructure, ensuring dynamic and economically sustainable communities.

In alignment with Rural opportunity, national prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for rural Canada, federal departments will pursue strategies to enhance rural community infrastructure, assets, and services in Northern Ontario. Examples include financial assistance to construct business parks and multi-use centres, training facilities and recreation centres.

Strengthening the workforce

Working with provincial partners, labour unions, post-secondary institutions, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, the federal government will explore new ways to improve talent attraction and retention in the region. These efforts include aligning the skills of graduates from regional post-secondary institutions with the needs of businesses, helping to reduce economic outmigration and ensuring skilled professionals are available to meet growing demands. Complementary to provincial programming, initiatives will focus on local training development to ensure that opportunities for further skills development are accessible—especially in small, rural and remote communities.

Efforts will also include targeted supports to help fill in-demand occupations and address the need for training, financial support, and partnerships to equip professionals with the skills required for climate change-related roles. For example, through the ongoing implementation of the Government’s Sustainable Jobs approach, grounded in the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, the Government of Canada will take action to foster the development of the low-carbon economy, the creation of high-quality, sustainable jobs and ensure workers across Canada are equipped with the skills and training they need to thrive in these jobs, including opportunities within Northern Ontario. Additionally, the government will assist communities in Northern Ontario in attracting skilled, highly qualified newcomers and supporting their integration and retention.

---

Enhancing investment readiness and reducing barriers to trade

In a highly competitive global market, the Government of Canada plays an important role in strengthening collaboration with reliable trading partners and allies around the world and promoting fair competition for Canadian firms. Trade negotiations have opened global markets and offer important opportunities for further export development in the region’s small and medium sized enterprises. As the only G7 economy with comprehensive free trade access to the entire G7 and European Union, Canada's 15 free trade agreements cover 61% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP) and open markets to 1.5 billion consumers worldwide. ^{Footnote 23}

Through the implementation of the PGSNO, the Government of Canada will collaborate with existing investor networks to enhance support for entrepreneurs seeking to scale up, expand, and diversify their interprovincial and global exports. These efforts will include fostering greater private sector collaboration among trade and export organizations, facilitating networking opportunities, reducing barriers to trade, and increasing understanding of international regulations and trade requirements. This aligns with the ongoing work of Export Development Canada and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, which provide services to Canadian businesses engaged in international business, including financing, insurance and bonding services, as well as foreign market expertise.

Improving access to capital, pathfinding and business services

The Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with regional and national partners, including Community Futures Development Corporations, the Business Development Bank of Canada, and Indigenous financial institutions, to provide local access points for business services such as succession planning and to ensure equitable access to loans. Efforts include reducing barriers to existing programming and supporting initiatives that help entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario obtain funding and build equity, while offering various funding options for businesses of all sizes. Attention will be given to unlocking the economic potential of equity-denied groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people who are part of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, Black and other racialized people.

For example, under the Black Entrepreneurship Program, Canada has partnered with Black-led businesses and organizations and the Business Development Bank of Canada to provide loans of up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs through the Federation of African Canadian Economics.

Additionally, federal departments will work collaboratively to enhance pathfinding opportunities, building on the success of Innovation Science and Economic Development’s Business Benefits Finder and FedNor’s on-the-ground presence within communities. Efforts will also focus on increasing access to business and innovation expertise through resources such as the Clean Growth Hub, the Accelerated Growth Service and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office

Growing priority and emerging sectors

The federal government will strategically invest in priority and emerging sectors to help single-industry communities diversify their economies and strengthen regional resilience. This includes support for businesses to adopt new technologies and processes, commercialization, market expansion and business management.

Mining and critical minerals

In Northern Ontario, the mining sector is a cornerstone of the economy, with over 30 active mines and more than 900 mining supply and service companies.^{Footnote 24} Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire region is particularly notable as one of the most promising areas for mineral development, especially for the critical minerals needed for electric vehicle battery production. In Northwestern Ontario, 41 potential mines are projected to start by 2033, requiring an estimated 250 megawatts of energy.^{Footnote 25} These developments are expected to support the growing supply chain demand from new electric vehicle battery manufacturing facilities in Southern Ontario.

In alignment with Canada's goals under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, government-wide efforts will continue to position Canada as a global leader in critical mineral production and secure value chains from mines to manufacturing. The Government of Canada will keep investing in mining innovation, renewable energy, and infrastructure improvements to ensure that opportunities grow in socially and ecologically responsible ways, while also forming stronger partnerships with First Nations. This includes initiatives aimed at assisting businesses to forge new partnerships and supporting activities within the critical minerals subsector, such as advancements in clean technology.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry is a crucial sector in the region with immense economic potential. ^{Footnote 26} In 2023, Northern Ontario was home to 1,522 manufacturing establishments, with 80% of these firms concentrated in value-added processing related to mining, forestry, equipment and food.

Given Canada's robust scientific foundation, highly educated population, and established industrial clusters, manufacturing sectors that are knowledge- and technology-intensive, presenting a significant strategic opportunity. The federal government will focus on supporting initiatives that enhance local value-added processes and attract high-tech occupations within the region’s manufacturing sector such as steel and aluminum. The government will also work collaboratively with existing networks, such as Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, to ensure that manufacturing companies within the region are better integrated and connected with other opportunities, including those in mining, forestry energy, and agriculture sectors.

Clean energy and bioeconomy

Northern Ontario has increasingly become a focal point for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in solar, wind, biomass, and untapped hydroelectric potential. However, these emerging clean energy projects also require resilient and strong transmission infrastructure to connect power generation sites to the provincial grid. Currently, the transmission system in the region is underdeveloped and struggles to efficiently transport electricity from remote areas to population centres.

At the same time, First Nation communities are increasingly participating in renewable energy projects across Northern Ontario. In 2022, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit entities were partners or beneficiaries in nearly 20% of Canada’s existing electricity-generating infrastructure, most of which produce renewable energy.^{Footnote 27}

Working to advance the region’s clean energy capability, federal departments will work collaboratively with the province and First Nations’ leadership to ensure that clean energy solutions generate sustainable growth for the region. This includes capacity development, operations support, and infrastructure development. These efforts align with the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and the Powering Canada Forward: A Clean Electricity Strategy. Collectively, federal departments will support the emissions reduction target of 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

Forestry

Northern Ontario’s geography includes 50 million hectares of the world’s largest intact forest.^{Footnote 28} Canada’s boreal forest is central to the country’s natural environment, culture and economy. The Government of Canada will continue to ensure the boreal forest remains healthy through sustainable forest management and harvesting practices.

Advancements in technology are driving significant changes in the forest industry, including market development, operational efficiency, business process innovation, and new product development. To support Natural Resources Canada’s efforts in transforming the forestry sector, federal departments will foster new partnerships with Indigenous leadership in Northern Ontario and promote innovative uses for forestry by-products such as biomass.

Agriculture

Canada's diverse agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector drives economic growth, innovation, trade, and investment, both domestically and internationally. Despite facing significant challenges, such as harsh climate conditions, limited infrastructure, and small local markets, the sector contributed over $522 million in gross domestic product in 2022^{Footnote 29} and more than 6,750 jobs in the region in 2024. Northern Ontario’s food market alone, not taking into account potential for exports, has been calculated to be worth more than $3 billion annually, with more than 400,000 households spending around $7,500 on food every year.^{Footnote 30}

As part of the renewed Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, federal departments will support the growth of the region’s agriculture and agri-food economy, advancing the goals outlined in the Food Policy for Canada. This means working collaboratively to support a regional food system that is resilient, innovative, environmentally sustainable, and beneficial for the local economy. These efforts will include investing in localized food system distribution, supporting research and development, and promoting increased interprovincial trade.

Currently, 28 communities in Northern Ontario are considered eligible under the Nutrition North Canada program—the highest number compared to any other province.^{Footnote 31} Eligibility is based on geographic isolation, which contributes to higher rates of food insecurity. Out of the 28 communities, 26 are First Nation communities located in the Northwest region. Efforts across various departments will aim to improve food access in remote and Northern communities in Northern Ontario by supporting both new and existing food initiatives that seek to enhance and diversify economic activities in these communities.

Tourism

One in five businesses in Northern Ontario is tourism-related,^{Footnote 32} and in 2022, visitors spent $2.7 billion in the region.^Footnote 33 This underscores the tourism industry’s vital role in the region’s economic diversity and its potential to create enriching opportunities for both locals and visitors. Given the breadth of outdoor tourism activities in the region, nature and conservation are central to both the visitor experience and to the long-term sustainability of the tourism economy, creating top-notch destinations across Northern Ontario. In alignment with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, federal departments will collaborate with the province and other stakeholders to bolster tourism in Northern Ontario. This includes improving access to capital, advancing new technologies, protecting and enhancing natural spaces and supporting Indigenous-led tourism initiatives.

---

Encouraging new ideas and collaboration

A dynamic innovation community encourages the growth of industrial clusters that develop skills, knowledge, and technology. Innovators throughout Northern Ontario have demonstrated leadership in securing research investment, transforming new discoveries into sophisticated products and technologies, and bridging the gap between research and market implementation. This includes a wide array of advancements, from more sustainable mining solutions to breakthrough research in health sciences.

Federal support for research and development (R&D), innovation, and commercialization projects across key sectors is necessary for sustained growth. For example, the development of business-led innovation clusters in Canada through the five global innovation clusters represents a significant opportunity to advance regional interests. In addition, innovations in digital technology and advanced manufacturing have been instrumental in transforming the mining and mineral sector in the region, from new methods of exploration to promoting more sustainable development practices.^{Footnote 34}

Through the Strategic Innovation Fund and the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, the government will continue to invest in innovative projects that will help grow Canada's economy. By promoting partnerships between businesses, other governments, and academic institutions on R&D and commercialization opportunities, the Government of Canada remains committed to maximizing the region’s potential as a leader in innovation.

Boosting rural and Northern innovation

Similar to rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada, SMEs in Northern Ontario are less likely to engage in activities such as selling outside their province, exporting, innovation, holding intellectual property (IP), and adopting advanced technology. These activities are often associated with growth. Furthermore, Northern Ontario SMEs are also less likely to hold various types of IP, including registered trademarks, patents, and registered industrial designs.

In line with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Enhancing Rural Innovation in Canada, the Government of Canada is committed to recognizing the importance of rural innovation beyond science and technology. Exploring place-specific metrics to recognize innovation efforts—particularly process innovation—can reflect regional strengths. Canada will continue to tackle governance challenges in delivering innovation services in rural areas while strengthening and incorporating a rural perspective into innovation policy and program design.

Promoting technology adoption

To help businesses and communities adopt more technologies, the Government of Canada is committed to increasing resources available for technology development, training, and implementation. This includes supports that promote the adoption of advanced technologies, such as digitization, automation and artificial intelligence (AI), to reduce production costs, improve productivity and international competitiveness, and generate demand for new skills and employment opportunities.

These efforts are aligned with the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (PCAIS), the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, and the Canada Digital Adoption Program.

The Government of Canada is dedicated to helping businesses leverage high-tech and sustainable industry practices to further climate change adaption. This includes promoting technology adoption, research and development, and business practices to protect and build climate-resilient economies. These efforts further the commitments within the National Adaptation Strategy and the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan.

---

Implementation 2025–2030

Oversight

Implicated federal departments will work together to execute and monitor progress on priorities and areas of collaborative action through the Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario interdepartmental committee. The interdepartmental committee will meet biannually and publicly report on progress every two years.

A key component of oversight is measuring progress towards intended outcomes by developing specific, well-defined indicators. By setting clear targets, the PGSNO provides direction and purpose. These targets will not only serve as a benchmark to assess whether activities are on track, but also enhance accountability and transparency for the public and stakeholders. Through this target-setting exercise, the Government of Canada can systematically track and encourage progress, ultimately improving outcomes of the PGSNO. A PGSNO Results framework is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2025.