Ontario's far north will have more opportunities to generate investment, create new jobs and increase economic prosperity as a result of a new provincial program through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

The Far North Assistance Program is intended to assist the most northerly communities tap into the region's economic potential by helping them build infrastructure that will leverage new investments, says Dan Newman, northern development and mines minister.

The program will offer capital assistance to build or upgrade regional infrastructure, such as hydroelectric projects and road construction. It will also provide capital assistance to tourism projects.

All northern Ontario municipalities, First Nations, aboriginal communities, local service boards and not-for-profit corporations providing community services in an area.