Positive 2026 NOMA Conference & AGM!
by Scott A. Sumner
I asked Rick Dumas, Mayor of Marathon and President of NOMA some questions about this years Conference and AGM.
How has this years event gone?
“ We have close to 400 delegates that are attending our 2 and 1/2 day conference in Thunder Bay. It has been great with presentations and many break out sessions where you have an opportunity to learn about topics important to your community. You can also meet with Ontario government Ministers with some 40 delegations for smaller communities that can't always really go to Ottawa or Toronto for conferences. It is a great opportunity for them to have 15 minute delegations with Ministers. It has been really good for our membership. All of the Ministers are here to listen to the issues so you have the opportunity to bring your concerns or issues to them while participating in the NOMA conference.”
How do you feel our economy has been doing in NW Ontario?
“ We have been taking about the forestry sector and critical minerals sector that is taking off. Our economy is fairly strong in the north, we know that and Premier Ford and Prime Minister Carney talk about our vast mineral resources.”
“ In the forestry sector there is change. The days of making pulp and paper to write on have past, but there are other opportunities in the sector to make chemicals, fuels etc. We are talking about information sharing and what our economy is driven by. The speakers themselves can get their view across as well.”
How are you doing in the town of Marathon?
“ In Marathon we are doing well. Hemlo started in 1985 and they said it would be a 17 year life span and here we are 41 years later and still going strong. Last year it was repurchased from another group of individuals who are great and focussed on the enhancement and life of the mine. We also have a critical minerals mine coming on stream soon, Generation Mining, which is copper and palladium. It is 100 % permitted and First Nations supported so we are excited about that and hope they start construction soon.”
