Mr. Speaker, with regard to the Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario in 2024–25, the metrics used to determine whether funding has achieved the initiative’s objectives and expected results are drawn from the horizontal performance measurement strategy led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
The Economic Development Initiative supports the sustainable economic growth of Official Language Minority Communities and is part of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s commitment under the Official Languages Act and the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028.
Performance is assessed through a common logic model applied across all Regional Development Agencies, including metrics such as for part (i) of the question, the number of Official Language Minority Communities businesses and organizations supported; the jobs created or maintained in Official Language Minority Communities; the partnerships established or strengthened with Francophone organizations; for part (ii), the capacity-building activities that respond to identified community needs; and the evidence of new expertise, services, or market access for Francophone entrepreneurs.
Progress is reported through annual data and narrative reporting that contributes to horizontal evaluations and official languages accountability. Metrics also assess how projects demonstrate meaningful participation by the Francophone community and address identified priorities and needs.