Minister Michael Gravelle Hosts Important Event
by Scott A. Sumner
www.thunderbaybusiness.ca
The future of the north in Canada was up for discussion at a recent Northern Ministers conference held in Thunder Bay. The 2 1/2 day event featured an opportunity for politician and government staff who are responsible for the future of the north across Canada to meet face to face and discuss ideas to jointly improve outcomes in the upcoming years
“ It was a delight to spend the last several days here. The hospitality of the people of NW Ontario is second to none with good food, good comradery and great discussions. It is important to see the opportunities we have in Northern Canada.” said Minister John Hickey of
Newfoundland Happy Valley Goose Bay.
“ It was a remarkable and inspiring two days. We had discussions related to a number of issues that impact all northern jurisdictions with colleagues from the NW Territories, Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon and Labrador. We discussed a number of issues that effect us all, certainly the way our northern economies are challenged and changing and how our resource based industries across the north continue to be extremely important to us,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development Mines and Forestry in Ontario. “ The
fact is northern infrastructure including our water roads is important and we need to work closely with the federal and municipal governments to make those work. Also there is our focus on our aboriginal economy. There are 34,000 aboriginal businesses across Canada. How can we get more investment in these business.”
“ It couldn’t have been more gratifying. The opportunity to sit down with your colleague ministers from across Canada and learn from the work they have done and will continue to do is important. Hosting the conference was great as well. We have our priority topics including
changing northern economies, infrastructure and climate change. It was interesting to hear how the climate change is affecting the economy. The priorities are put in place and we go back and work with our ministries and our partners and try to move forward. It is a wonderful
event. It was my third event with my colleague ministers and I felt really quite inspired. We had some remarkable presentations.”
Greg Rickford is the MP for Kenora and recented appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages as of a few days ago. Rickford moved to Kenora in the early 90’s and then Sioux Lookout as a nurse. He also is a lawyer which a unique combination of training.
“We identify through this forum that the north is truely a vast area jurisdictionally and substantially. The federal government has responsibilities North of 60 but a number of departments preside over the northern parts of our provinces such as Indian affairs. There are
common themes and issues, common solutions and resources that we can use to share and build on. These type of conferences help,” said Greg Rickford. “ There are issues with the environment, resources sector, development and business. The vastness of the north mean we all need to sing from the same song book. We are advancing strategies on arctic sovereign and promoting social and economic development.”
