In 1990, the NOHFC gave a $5 million grant to the Algoma Central Railway,"Algoma official denies 'secret deal'". Toronto Star, April 19, 1991. which opposition Progressive Conservative leader Mike Harris alleged was a "down payment" on a secret deal to have the provincial government take over ownership and operation of the troubled company. Other investments in the early 1990s included a $1 million loan to Muscocho Explorations and McNellen Resources to fund construction of a new gold mine in Wawa,"Domtar plant expansion promises jobs in Ontario". Toronto Star, November 26, 1991. a $900 thousand loan to Brinkman and Associates, a tree-planting firm,"B.C. loan to reforester criticized in Ontario: Money skewing eastern market, competitors charge". Vancouver Sun, April 25, 1992. and a $5 million loan to Bombardier Transportation to expand the company's facility in Thunder Bay."Bombardier upgrade to create 500 jobs". Toronto Star, June 11, 1993.
