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Northern Health Travel Grant Program

Learn about financial assistance for Northern Ontario residents who travel long distances for medical specialist services

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The Northern Health Travel Grant ( NHTG ) program offers financial assistance to Northern Ontario residents who need to travel long-distances for specialized medical services or procedures at a ministry-funded health care facility.

For eligible applicants, travel grants are based on the distance you need to travel to reach the nearest medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility that can provide the required health care services without delay.

To qualify, you need to:

• have traveled at least 100 kilometers ( km ) one-way to access the nearest medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility services that are not available locally
• submit your NHTG application to the Ministry of Health ( MOH ) within 12 months of the date of treatment

Note: The NHTG program helps you pay for some medical travel-related expenses but does not cover all expenses (such as meals or taxi).

Telemedicine

Telemedicine supports almost every clinical specialty and offers a cost-effective alternative for Northern Ontario residents who need to travel for specialized medical services or procedures at a ministry-funded health care facility.

A telemedicine appointment with the Ontario Telemedicine Network ( OTN ) is like an in-person visit, but the physician uses a monitor. Ask your health care provider if telemedicine is a suitable option for your needs.

Please consider telemedicine instead of travel.

Eligibility

Below are the following eligibility conditions for the Northern Health Travel Grant ( NHTG ) program:

• You are an OHIP -insured Ontario resident on the date of treatment.
• Your primary place of residence is in the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, or Timiskaming.
• You have obtained a referral from a Northern Ontario health care provider (such as a physician, dentist, optometrist, chiropractor, midwife or nurse practitioner).
• A Winnipeg (Manitoba) physician enrolled on the Manitoba Health Specialist Register and permitted to bill as a specialist.
• A physician who holds a specialist certificate of registration issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario ( CPSO ) in a recognized medical or surgical specialty other than family or general practice.
• a cleft lip and palate clinic
• a clinic that tests for low vision
• a clinic that can fit artificial limbs and walking aids and is approved by the ministry's Assistive Devices program
• the Speech Foundation of Ontario, Toronto Children's Centre
• chemotherapy at a regional cancer center
• MRI or dialysis services performed in a hospital
• ultrasound or Pulmonary Function Testing services performed in a hospital
• The nearest medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility able to provide the type of care or procedure you require in Ontario or Winnipeg (Manitoba) is at least 100 kilometers from your area of residence.

When you are not eligible

You do not qualify for the Northern Health Travel Grant ( NHTG ) program if:

• the health care service is not an OHIP -insured benefit
• the care is related to a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claim
• your employer pays for your medical services or travel costs
• another government program or organization pays for your travel (such as a First Nations Band or the federal government)
• the health care services have to do with a private insurance company (for example, if there is third-party liability for medical travel costs, such as medical services related to a motor vehicle accident)
• you travel round trip by ambulance
• non-Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada ( RCPSC ) certified medical specialist
• non- RCPSC certified physician in Winnipeg (Manitoba) who is not enrolled on the Manitoba Health Specialist Register
• physician who does not hold a specialist certificate of registration issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario ( CPSO ) in a recognized medical or surgical specialty other than family or general practice
• ministry-funded health care facility
• the nearest specialist or ministry-funded health care facility is within 100 kilometers of your area of residence
• your trip is for something other than health care
• you are travelling to visit a sick relative in hospital
• your travel is not within Ontario or Winnipeg (Manitoba)

Note: If you travel one way by ambulance and the other way by car or public transportation, you may qualify for a partial grant.

If you do not have a northern referring provider, you may still qualify for a travel grant under the NHTG program. For information, you can contact the Ministry of Health ( MOH ), Claims Services Branch by phone at: 1-800-262-6524 .

Assisted costs

You may visit any medical specialist, hospital or ministry-funded health care facility in Ontario or Winnipeg (Manitoba) that qualifies.

Whether you are traveling by car, air, bus or rail, travel grants are always paid at a rate of 41 cents per kilometer (based on the round-trip distance) between your home and the nearest medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility able to provide the required OHIP -insured services. Please note there is a 100-kilometer deductible on your trip , meaning 100 kilometers will be deducted from the total distance of the trip when calculating the amount of the travel grant.

The Northern Health Travel Grant ( NHTG ) program does not cover expenses for meals or taxi services . However, receipts for gas and meals should be kept for 12 months if we require proof of travel for audit purposes.

Accommodation allowance

The NHTG program offers an accommodation allowance for patients who:

• meet the travel grant eligibility criteria
• travel a one-way distance of at least 200 kilometers to reach the nearest medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility able to provide the required services
• submit original accommodation receipts in their name or as a guest to prove accommodation expenses (for patients under the age of 18, an accommodation receipt can be in the name of their parent or guardian)

You may be eligible for additional accommodation allowance if it is necessary to spend more than 1 night out-of-town to access medical specialist services or ministry-funded health care facility-based procedures.

Additional accommodation allowance for each treatment trip will be determined as follows:

• $100 per night up to 2 nights
• $250 for 3 nights
• $500 for 4-7 nights
• $550 for 8 or more nights

If you and other patients travel together in the same car, only 1 travel grant will be provided for the round trip. However, if you both meet the NHTG program eligibility requirements and your one-way trip to the nearest medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility is at least 200 kilometers, you both may qualify for the $100.00 accommodation allowance.

Note: You will not be eligible for an accommodation allowance if you have not paid an official accommodation expense (for example, staying with a friend or family member).

How to submit for additional accommodation allowance

To request additional accommodation allowance, please specify the number of medically-necessary lodging nights in Section 1 of the NHTG application form.

The medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility provider must also indicate the number of nights in Section 3 of the application form, or they can submit a letter to the NHTG program.

When writing a letter to the NHTG program the medical provider should use the phrasing:

“In their professional judgement, the accommodation allowance of greater than one night’s stay is necessary to access an out-of-town medical specialist health care service or ministry-funded health care facility based procedure.”

This letter must be submitted along with the application form to qualify for an additional accommodation allowance.

Assisted cost examples

Example 1 - eligible grant from point a to point b.

The one-way distance in this example is 160  km .

The grant is the two-way distance minus 100  km multiplied by 41 cents per km .

160  km (the one-way distance) x 2 (the two-way distance) - 100 ( km ) x 0.41 (cents per km travelled) = $90.20

Example 2 - Eligible grant from Point C to Point D

The one-way distance in this example is 300 km .

It was necessary for 1 night out-of-town in this example.

• Travel grant calculation is 300  km (the one-way distance) x 2 (the two-way distance) - 100  ( km ) x 0.41 (cents per km travelled) = $205.00
• Accommodation allowance is $100.00 (for 1 night)

Total payment to the patient for the trip is $205 (for the calculated travel grant) + $100 (for the accommodation allowance of 1 night) = $305.00

Example 3 - Eligible grant from Point C to Point D

The one-way distance in this example is 300  km .

In this example, a specialist/ministry-funded health care facility provider determines that 3 nights out-of-town are medically necessary.

• Travel grant calculation is 300  km (the one-way distance) x 2 (the two-way distance) - 100 ( km ) x 0.41 (cents per km travelled) = $205.00
• Accommodation allowance is $250.00 (for 3 nights)

Total payment to the patient for the trip is $205 (for the calculated travel grant) + $250 (for the accommodation allowance of 3 lodging nights) = $455.00

Receipts are required for proof and audit purposes to ensure appropriate spending of public funds.

Only original receipts will be accepted and applications will not be processed unless an original receipt is provided as proof of payment for an accommodation or commercial transportation expense.

Official itemized receipts must be submitted along with your application for the accommodation allowance. “Itemized receipt” refers to a receipt that lists the item(s) purchased and the individual price(s) for each item. This could include a hotel, motel or bed and breakfast. The accommodation receipt must include:

• the name of the patient
• the date(s) of stay
• a fee paid for the stay

Note: The authorization receipt for a credit or debit card transaction is not considered an itemized receipt.

If traveling by air, bus, or rail, you must submit the original ticket, receipt or itinerary showing:

• a fare paid
• who travelled
• the date of travel
• the destination

Application

Download the Northern Health Travel Grant ( NHTG ) program application form .

The NHTG program application forms are also available from various northern health care providers, such as:

• optometrists
• nurse practitioners
• chiropractors

Note: Please ensure you are using a current version of the NHTG program application form by referring to the new Section 4 Payment Preference.

Application submission

All applications must be received by the Ministry of Health ( MOH ) within 12 months from the date of service or treatment. We are not responsible for lost or delayed applications or those sent after 12 months from the date of treatment.

For each round treatment trip, you must complete a separate application form. Only 1 application can be submitted for each round trip regardless of the number of medical specialists or ministry-funded health care facilities visited during that round trip.

The NHTG program only accepts application forms and original receipts for accommodation allowance by mail. Do not submit photocopies. Please include your receipts or itinerary for accommodation, bus, rail and air travel, along with those of your travel companion (if applicable).

Submit your application and original receipts to:

Ministry of Health - Claims Services Branch Northern Health Travel Grant, Sudbury office 159 Cedar Street, 7 th  Floor Sudbury, Ontario P3E 6A5

Note: If your application is incomplete or filled out incorrectly, it will be returned to you, which could lead to payment delays.

Section 1: Patient information

If the patient is a child under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian with custody, a children’s aid society worker or other lawfully entitled person may complete and sign the form on behalf of the patient.

If the patient is 16 years of age or older but is unable to provide consent themselves, a Substitute Decision Maker ( SDM ) may complete and sign the form on the patient’s behalf. A SDM can be a patient’s:

• guardian who has authority to make a decision on behalf of patient
• attorney for personal care who has authority to make a decision on behalf of patient
• representative appointed by the Consent and Capacity Board with authority to give consent
• spouse or partner
• child/parent or children’s aid society or other person legally entitled to give/refuse consent
• parent with only right of access
• brother or sister
• other relative

Note: For more specific information on SDMs , please contact the Northern Health Travel Grant ( NHTG ) program directly.

Section 2: Northern referring provider information

The referral section of the NHTG program application only needs to be filled out once every 12 months if you are making a follow-up trip to the same medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility. If follow-up visits are made to a different specialist or ministry-funded health care facility, a new referral is required.

Note: People aged 30 to 69 travelling to an Ontario Breast Screening program do not need to complete the referral section on the NHTG program application form.

Section 3: Specialist or health care facility service provider information

This section of the NHTG program application form must be signed and completed by the medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility provider. In this section, they will specify the date on which the visit or procedure was performed.

Make sure the medical specialist or ministry-funded health care facility provider you are travelling to fills out all the information under this section of the application form, including the number of medically necessary nights for each treatment trip.

Section 4: Payment preference

It is mandatory to fill out Section 4 of the NHTG program application to determine the payment preference of patients, third parties and companions (if applicable).

If you select the direct deposit option, please provide a completed bank-issued payroll direct deposit form or void cheque along with your grant application.

Section 5: Companion information

If you are applying for a companion grant, your travelling companion must also fill in the proper information in Section 5 of the application form. To qualify for a companion grant, the following conditions must be met:

• The person that helps you during travel must be 16 years of age or older.
• Your companion must travel with you and pay a fare if travel is by air, rail or bus and receipts must be provided (Air Miles or other loyalty programs are acceptable as a method of payment).
• The patient must be younger than 16 years of age or the northern referring provider must indicate in Section 2 of the application form that the patient needs a travel companion for health or safety reasons.

If travel is round trip by personal vehicle, both you and your travel companion may qualify for an equal share of 1 grant.

Note: Travel companions are not eligible for an accommodation allowance.

Application denial

If your application for an NHTG is denied, you can request an internal review or reconsideration within 12 months from the date provided on the denial letter that was mailed to you. Please follow the information and instructions in the denial letter.

If there are exceptional medical circumstances surrounding your treatment trip that may allow an exception to the program eligibility criteria, you may appeal your denial decision to the external and independent NHTG Medical Appeals Committee in writing to:

Medical Appeals Committee C/O : Northern Health Travel Grant Claims Services Branch 159 Cedar Street, 7 th Floor Sudbury, Ontario P3E 6A5

Payment options

Direct deposit payment.

When you choose direct deposit, the grant payment will be deposited directly into your bank account.

If you choose direct deposit, you must submit a bank-issued payroll direct deposit form or void cheque along with your grant application. This applies if it is your first time using direct deposit for grant payments or if your banking information has changed since your last direct deposit grant payment.

Companions must provide a new bank issued payroll direct deposit form or void cheque each time an application is submitted. The ministry does not retain banking information for companions after an application has been processed.

Cheque payment

When you choose cheque payment, a cheque will be delivered by registered mail to the mailing address provided on your application.

If your application is approved, the ministry will provide your grant payment within 6 weeks from the date it receives your correctly completed application form. Please allow for the complete 6 weeks before checking on the status of your application.

Bank issued direct deposit form or void cheque

Bank issued direct deposit form.

The payroll direct deposit form provides bank account information in place of a void cheque. Your contact information and details about your bank are included. This includes the bank’s transit and institution numbers and your account number. This information ensures your payment is directed into your bank account.

Many larger financial institutions offer online access to download and print a payroll direct deposit form. Check online to see if your bank provides access to obtain a payroll direct deposit form or contact your bank to request a payroll direct deposit form.

Void cheques

A void cheque is a cheque with the word “void” written across the front, which indicates that it shouldn't be accepted for payment. The cheque can still be used to get the information needed for electronic payments. Remove a blank cheque from your cheque book and write the word "VOID" in large, bold letters across the front of the cheque in pen or permanent ink.

If you do not have paper cheques, you may be able to get a void cheque by going to your bank and asking for a printed copy of one.

Note: There may be a fee for this service.

For more details, contact the Ministry of Health ( MOH ), Claims Services Branch, Northern Health Travel Grant ( NHTG ), Sudbury office by

• mail: Ministry of Health - Claims Services Branch Northern Health Travel Grant, Sudbury office 159 Cedar Street, 7 th Floor Sudbury, Ontario P3E 6A5
• phone:  1-800-262-6524

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Province expanding Northern Ontario Health Travel Grant program

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THUNDER BAY – The province is expanding the Northern Ontario Health Travel Grant program to cover more costs incurred by patients needing eligible out-of-town care.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones on Tuesday revealed details of the revamped plan at a stop at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, announcing they have increased the overnight accommodation allowance from $100 a night to $175, and from $550 to $1,050 for stays of eight nights or longer.

The government also reduced the travel distance requirements from 200 kilometres round trip to 100 kilometres and have expanded the eligibility to cover costs of medical travel companions accompanying a patient requiring hospitalization.

The province plans to provide $45 million over three years to fund the program.

Jones said the goal is to provide Northern Ontarians with a better health-care experience, acknowledging residents often don’t have access to a full suite of medical services in their home communities, especially in sparsely populated regions in the Northwest.

That shouldn’t mean accessing health care needs to be a financial burden, the minister said, calling it another step toward connecting people in the region to the specialized health care they need.

“These programs provide financial reimbursement that helps cover the medical related costs Northern Ontario residents have incurred while travelling to access OHIP-insured health-care services that are not available within a 100-kilometre radius of where they live,” Jones said.

“The province will begin implementing expansions and needed improvements to the Northern Health Travel Grant program starting this fall.”

The changes will also include a more convenient, online application form, that includes digital receipt submission capabilities, allowing for faster reimbursements and eliminates the need for a signature from a referring physician or health-care provider.

The expansion also adds more health-care partners to the program, as well as community labs, to help more people get reimbursed for their costs.

“(We’ve also) removed the 100-kilometre deductible so people can get reimbursed for every kilometre travelled, to offset higher gas prices. These changes are also increasing reimbursements for overnight trips, to better reflect people’s needs and increased costs,” Jones said.

Paul Carr, a patient advocate at Thunder Bay Regional, said he welcomes the new changes, noting the care needed, including cardiac surgery, isn't always available close to home.

“Sometimes (patients) face many barriers in terms of accessing care. When you have to travel long distances to attend appointments or receive specialized care or surgeries, it would be great if patients could access the same level of care and services throughout the province, but we know that’s not the case right now,” Carr said.

“Some of our patients have to travel for excess care and this can be a daunting experience. For some it might be the first time they’ve ever travelled to an urban centre.”

Every little bit helps, Carr said.

NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois applauded the changes, calling the move good news for Northern Ontarians, in particular the removal of the 100-kilometre deductible for the gas repayment. However, Vaugeois said the province could have gone further and increased the mileage rate from the current 41 cents a kilometre.

“I think we get roughly 61 cents a kilometre as MPPs,” Vaugeois said. “It’s miles from where it needs to be to cover the cost.”

She added the hotel accommodation rate falls a bit short of the actual cost of rooms, especially in centres like Toronto.

The spending was previously announced in the 2024 Ontario budget.

About the Author: Leith Dunick

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Big Changes To Northern Travel Grant Announced

As part of the Ontario government’s 2024 Ontario Budget , the province is investing $45 million over three years to expand the Northern Health Travel Grant Program to help people in Northern Ontario connect to the specialized care and services they need.

“Our government knows that for too long, patients in Northern Ontario have faced unique challenges when accessing health care and that is why our government is taking action to expand access to care, in every corner of the province,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Our investment to expand and enhance the Northern Health Travel Grant, will ensure more people in Northern Ontario can connect to the specialized care they need, when they need it.”

The Northern Health Travel Grant provides financial reimbursements that help cover the medical-related costs Northern Ontario residents can incur when travelling to access OHIP-insured health care services that are not available within a 100-kilometre radius of where they live. These include specialist visits and some diagnostic services.

The province will begin implementing expansions and improvements to the Northern Health Travel Grant Program starting in Fall 2024 including:

• Introducing a more convenient online application form that includes digital receipt submissions and makes reimbursement faster.
• Eliminating the need for a signature from the referring health care provider, making the application process easier.
• Adding more eligible health care providers and more facility locations, such as community laboratories, to help more people get reimbursed for their incurred costs.
• Removing the 100-kilometre deductible so people are reimbursed for every kilometre travelled to help offset higher gas prices.

New changes are also increasing reimbursements for overnight trips for the first time since 2017 to better reflect people’s needs and increased costs, including:

• Increasing the accommodation allowance from $100 to $175 per night, as well as increasing the total allowance for eight or more nights from $550 to $1,150.
• Reducing the travel distance requirement to be eligible for overnight accommodation allowance from 200 kilometres to 100 kilometres.
• Expanding eligibility to include medical travel companions accompanying a patient who is hospitalized.

“The Northern Health Travel Grant plays a vital role in mitigating the financial burden of medical‐related travel for the people of Ontario in Northern communities,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “This enhancement in Ontario’s 2024 Budget is part of our plan to support health care in northern and rural communities.”

Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care , the Ontario government is making it easier and faster for people to connect to the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they live.

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Province expanding Northern Ontario Health Travel Grant program

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THUNDER BAY – The province is expanding the Northern Ontario Health Travel Grant program to cover more costs incurred by patients needing eligible out-of-town care.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones on Tuesday revealed details of the revamped plan at a stop at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, announcing they have increased the overnight accommodation allowance from $100 a night to $175, and from $550 to $1,050 for stays of eight nights or longer.

The government also reduced the travel distance requirements from 200 kilometres round trip to 100 kilometres and have expanded the eligibility to cover costs of medical travel companions accompanying a patient requiring hospitalization.

The province plans to provide $45 million over three years to fund the program.

Jones said the goal is to provide Northern Ontarians with a better health-care experience, acknowledging residents often don’t have access to a full suite of medical services in their home communities, especially in sparsely populated regions in the Northwest.

That shouldn’t mean accessing health care needs to be a financial burden, the minister said, calling it another step toward connecting people in the region to the specialized health care they need.

“These programs provide financial reimbursement that helps cover the medical related costs Northern Ontario residents have incurred while travelling to access OHIP-insured health-care services that are not available within a 100-kilometre radius of where they live,” Jones said.

“The province will begin implementing expansions and needed improvements to the Northern Health Travel Grant program starting this fall.”

The changes will also include a more convenient, online application form, that includes digital receipt submission capabilities, allowing for faster reimbursements and eliminates the need for a signature from a referring physician or health-care provider.

The expansion also adds more health-care partners to the program, as well as community labs, to help more people get reimbursed for their costs.

“(We’ve also) removed the 100-kilometre deductible so people can get reimbursed for every kilometre travelled, to offset higher gas prices. These changes are also increasing reimbursements for overnight trips, to better reflect people’s needs and increased costs,” Jones said.

Paul Carr, a patient advocate at Thunder Bay Regional, said he welcomes the new changes, noting the care needed, including cardiac surgery, isn't always available close to home.

“Sometimes (patients) face many barriers in terms of accessing care. When you have to travel long distances to attend appointments or receive specialized care or surgeries, it would be great if patients could access the same level of care and services throughout the province, but we know that’s not the case right now,” Carr said.

“Some of our patients have to travel for excess care and this can be a daunting experience. For some it might be the first time they’ve ever travelled to an urban centre.”

Every little bit helps, Carr said.

NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois applauded the changes, calling the move good news for Northern Ontarians, in particular the removal of the 100-kilometre deductible for the gas repayment. However, Vaugeois said the province could have gone further and increased the mileage rate from the current 41 cents a kilometre.

“I think we get roughly 61 cents a kilometre as MPPs,” Vaugeois said. “It’s miles from where it needs to be to cover the cost.”

She added the hotel accommodation rate falls a bit short of the actual cost of rooms, especially in centres like Toronto.

The spending was previously announced in the 2024 Ontario budget.

About the Author: Leith Dunick

This has been shared 0 times

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Dozens of vehicles damaged from potholes on Hwy. 400

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Mississauga collision leaves one driver with serious injuries

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Strike for Canadian border workers on hold until Wednesday: union

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Lansdowne 2.0 appeal dismissed as Ontario's new housing bill receives Royal Assent

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Delay at Windsor-Detroit border despite CBSA strike action on hold

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Motor vehicle collision shuts down Miller Ave and 71st St. E. in Saskatoon

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• Ministry of Health
• Application for Northern...
• French - 0327-88f -...

French - 0327-88f - Application for Northern...

URL: https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/dataset/0f091751-0299-429a-b6a7-30a53cc8e859/resource/99546247-79c9-4ff8-9204-972fd62e59cb/download/0327-88f.pdf

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Used to apply for financial travel assistance by Northern Ontario residents who must travel long distances to access medical specialist services.

Additional Information

Ontario budget falls short on investments in northern Ontario, say advocates

The 2024 budget includes an increase to accommodation reimbursements through the northern health travel grant.

Social Sharing

An increase to Ontario's Northern Health Travel Grant in the 2024 budget is "a tiny step in the right direction" but doesn't go far enough, says NDP health critic France Gélinas.

The travel grant helps patients from northern Ontario cover their expenses when they travel elsewhere in the province for medical care.

The budget included an increase to the reimbursement for accommodations from $100 a night to $175 for the first night.

"If you need to stay there two or three nights, then the amount goes down every day," Gélinas said.

She said while the increase is welcome, it still doesn't come close to covering a hotel stay in Toronto.

"I know full well that a lot of people that are seriously sick, that need to come to Toronto once every two weeks, once every three weeks, and pay $350 a night for a hotel room," Gélinas said.

"It adds up on their credit card and they just give up."

• Ontario deficit will triple as economy weakens, 2024 budget shows
• Analysis Ontario's universities face a funding crunch. Doug Ford's government is telling them to find 'efficiencies'

In addition to reimbursements for hotel stays, the travel grant also reimburses patients for travel at a rate of 41 cents per kilometre. The first 100 kilometres travelled are also deducted from the reimbursement.

Gélinas said that portion did not receive an increase in the latest budget.

"Things have changed in healthcare, but the Northern Health Travel Grant has not," she said.

High speed internet

The 2024 budget also included an increase in spending to improve high-speed internet access across Ontario, with $1.3 billion allocated this year, up from $300 million in each of the previous few years. It's part of a $4-billion commitment to bring broadband internet access to every part of the province.

But Susan Church, the executive director of the Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation, said that doesn't appear to be new money.

"I think it's just the same fund that gets re-announced several times over to be honest," she said. "I mean that that is the same number that has come out with every broadband announcement."

Blue Sky is focused on broadband development in northern Ontario.

Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy told CBC News the government won't relent on meeting the 2025 target for high-speed connectivity across the province.

"I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm sorry, but I can't agree with that date," Church said.

"It's not easy. You know, we've had these announced projects now since July of 2021."

Church said that outside of the five largest cities in northern Ontario only 42 per cent of households meet the government's threshold for high speed internet; with speeds of 50 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads,

Post-secondary education 

The budget included $10 million specifically for colleges and universities in northern Ontario "intended to provide targeted support to eligible institutions that are financially vulnerable, while the government works with them on efficiency initiatives."

Sue Wurtele, board chair of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations, said the money is welcome but it doesn't make up for underfunding of post-secondary education overall.

"It's sort of self-evident to us that northern Ontario universities are in a unique position and have been really challenged financially by the government year after year of inadequate funding," she said.

Wurtele said she was also concerned about possibly tying the funding to efficiency initiatives.

"What ends up happening over and over again with this government funding and its focus on these efficiency initiatives is that they forced universities, ironically, to wade through more and more red tape and administrative burdens that really increased the inefficiencies," she said.

With files from Kate Rutherford and Erik White

Chargement...

News Release

Ontario Awards Contracts to Advance Northeastern Passenger Rail

Province building new station shelters and starting work to improve rail safety

May 31, 2024

Transportation

Table of Contents

Quick facts, additional resources, related topics.

BRACEBRIDGE — The Ontario government is delivering on its promise to bring back northeastern passenger rail service by awarding three contracts to design and manufacture nine new station shelters, enhance rail safety and complete warning system upgrades. The contracts mark a significant milestone in reinstating train service between Timmins and Toronto, providing a safe and reliable transportation option for northern and central communities and unlocking Ontario’s full economic potential.

"People and businesses in northern and central Ontario deserve the same access to safe and reliable transportation as the rest of the province,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Transportation. “Reinstating the Northlander will not only support our northern industries and resource sectors, but it will also pave the way for a more integrated transportation network that connects communities from the north to the south.”

Over the next two years, new station shelters equipped with seating, lighting and heating will be installed in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Washago.

“This investment marks further progress on the reinstatement of the Northlander train service,” said Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer for Ontario Northland. “The shelters will be safe, comfortable and accessible, providing a consistent, modern passenger experience for customers boarding and exiting the train all along the route. We are excited to see this work progress during this construction season and next.”

Construction of station platforms, parking areas and pathways will begin this summer, along with track improvements to enhance rail safety, reduce derailment risks and decrease train maintenance. Once reinstated, the Northlander passenger rail service will operate four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands.

• Enseicom Inc. has been awarded the contract to design and manufacture nine new station shelters.
• Remcan Ltd. has been awarded the contract for track improvements to enhance rail safety, decrease maintenance and reduce derailment risks.
• X-Rail has been awarded the contract to complete warning system upgrades along the Northlander corridor north of North Bay.
• The Northlander service will enhance the province’s integrated transportation network and advance work on the province’s Draft Transportation Plan for the North .
• In April 2022, Ontario Northland released the Updated Initial Business Case , which included a preferred route from Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane.
• In December 2022, Ontario announced the purchase of three new trainsets as part of its plan to reinstate the Northlander.

"Our government has long recognized the importance of having safe, convenient and reliable transportation that extends to northern Ontario. Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the long-awaited restoration of the Northlander’s vital passenger rail service. We look forward to the positive impact this will hold for our local communities as well as those experiencing the beauty and opportunities of the north for the first time." - Vic Fedeli MPP for Nipissing

"As we continue to attract world-class investment to northern Ontario, our government understands that today’s announcement is about more than just transportation; it's about the connectivity of northerners. By restoring this vital link between Timmins and Toronto, we are unlocking the economic potential in the northeast, making the Northlander a cornerstone for building Ontario." - Greg Rickford MPP for Kenora – Rainy River

"For far too long, previous governments ignored the transportation needs of people in Timmins and across northern Ontario. The reinstatement of the Northlander is a huge win for the people of northern Ontario and industries like mining that rely on workers to travel to our region. I am proud to be part of a government that listens to the needs of northerners and takes decisive action to ensure that everyone can get where they need to go." - George Pirie MPP for Timmins

"People and businesses historically rely on a safe and convenient transportation network to thrive. The return of the Northlander will ensure access to essential services like health care and education, while supporting economic prosperity and tourism across the region." - Jill Dunlop MPP Simcoe North

"The restoration of the Northlander reflects our government’s dedication to supporting our small and rural communities with the critical infrastructure they need and deserve. We’re creating accessibility and mobility for our local residents, connecting them to people, places and opportunities across Ontario." - Graydon Smith MPP Parry Sound—Muskoka

"We are pleased to see the Ontario government investing in shelters along the Northlander route, including right here in Bracebridge. These upgraded amenities will contribute to providing safe, accessible transportation options to residents and visitors while helping support the growth and development of our local economy through improved access to tourism and job opportunities." - Rick Maloney Mayor of the Town of Bracebridge

• Northern Rail Updated Initial Business Case
• More about passenger rail in the north

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