Bruce Strapp says his first order of business as the new executive director of Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is to get to know his board of directors.
Strapp took over the position two weeks ago from Aime Dimatteo, and brings a history of municipal economic development with him. Strapp said one of his goals as the executive director is to continue creating jobs in the area. But before that he wants to get to know his board of directors.
"NOHFC’s mandate is all about job creation," Strapp said during a local visit Wednesday. "A lot of the programs are focused toward the youth, new entrepreneurs, communities and non-profit corporations. All these programs are really targeted to help the northern Ontario economy."
Last year, the province increased the NOHFC budget to $90 million. Strapp said the budget is expected to increase even more to about $100 million next year.
He said he’s excited about the future of NOHFC and its involvement with the Northern Ontario Growth Plan and the Ring of Fire.
"As the new kid on the block it’s very amazing as to the impact NOHFC has on northern Ontario," he said. "The other area that is really growing in northern Ontario is the whole area of innovation. That’s going to be a new sector that NOHFC will play a role in it."
