'Government doesn't create jobs, it creates opportunities'

The four organizations receiving grants from the Ontario government Friday have many of the same traits in common, including innovation, vision, and job creation.

"Success breeds success," points out Drillco Mining and Exploration's David Jones. "The ability to have a group such as NOHFC, believing in us, allowing us to be innovative, allowing us to create new technology that will create real-world jobs — that's where the success really lies."

At a media event held at Boart Longyear in North Bay, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli announced an investment of $2.5 million in those four local businesses through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

"Our government is committed to strengthening the manufacturing industry in the District of Nipissing," said Fedeli. Supporting the manufacturing industry is an important part of our government's plan to create more jobs and attract new investments, so northern communities can grow and prosper."

Another common aspect — these companies have all also benefitted from Peter Chirico's guidance in preparing applications to the NOHFC. Chirico, who sits on the board of the NOHFC also doubles as the president of the local Chamber of Commerce.

"We help them through the application process, to access funding, to expand in our region, to create more jobs because — let's face it, the government doesn't create jobs — it creates opportunities," says Chirico.

Jones says Drillco has also been fortunate to receive funding in the past from both the federal FedNor program and provincial NOHFC. As for Friday's NOHFC investment of $500,000, he says it will go toward the commercialization of innovative clean-tech modular drilling systems. Drillco teams are showcasing their products to geologists and mining executive teams in the field.

"When you get into clean-tech equipment, that comes with a cost," advises Jones, "but for us, we offer all the benefits of clean-tech with huge financial savings." 

Heather Johnston says Nordic Minesteel Technologies Inc. applied for and received $650,654 from NOHFC to design and build a prototype battery-powered jack for large mining maintenance and heavy truck repair.

"This will help us get demo models out on the west coast and in Europe," says Johnston. "This will help us get the expertise and fill jobs. Right now, we need welders, we need mechanical designers. With the battery-powered technology, we need those electrical experts who can help us expand."

Others receiving funding include Boart Longyear Manufacturing Canada Ltd, $374,035 for its Wireline Production Automation Project and $978,000 for Canadore College’s ICAMP 3.0, for the purchase and installation of equipment.

The NOHFC's function is to promote economic development across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects — big and small, rural and urban — that stimulate growth, job creation and skilled workforce development.