News Release

McGuinty Government Talks With Northerners About Strengthening Northern Businesses

March 09, 2007

Dialogue Supports Regional Prosperity and Growth

SUDBURY –  The Ontario government’s Northern Development Councils will tap into regional expertise to help develop recommendations for high-potential business growth strategies, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

We’re on the side of northerners,” said Bartolucci.  “That’s why we’re initiating a dialogue with northerners about growing and strengthening northern businesses.”

The dialogue’s research phase began late last year with a review of research and previous reports.  The councils used this body of current wisdom to develop potential strategies.  Northerners now have an opportunity to comment on a variety of proposed business-support strategies, and to identify those they think would be of greater benefit for their own communities.

Councils will solicit northern input through their website and online survey, a print survey distributed through chambers of commerce, and meetings with business, community leaders and key stakeholder groups.  Opportunities for northerners to participate in a community session are posted on the NDC website at www.ndc.gov.on.ca.

This dialogue with northerners is just one way the McGuinty government supports business growth and job creation in Northern Ontario.  Other initiatives include:
 
• Strengthening businesses with $13-million in funding through the Northern Ontario Grow Bonds Pilot Program
• Supporting business start-ups through the Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur Program of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
• Helping northern communities attract and retain investment through the GO North Investor Program
• Establishing the Small Business Agency of Ontario to give owners and operators a voice at Queen’s Park.

As part of the Northern Prosperity Plan, the Northern Development Councils are one of several coordinated, northern-focused programs aimed at bringing renewed economic strength and prosperity to northern communities.  The plan’s four pillars are: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454 

Lisa Zanetti, Manager
Northern Development Council Unit
MNDM – Sudbury
(705) 564-7016

Backgrounder

Northern Development Councils

The Ontario government has established four Northern Development Councils (NDCs) to advise the Minister of Northern Development and Mines by providing input on issues and initiatives affecting Northern Ontario. They provide a direct link between the Minister and northern communities, generally focusing on pan-northern matters that can lead to a range of recommendations for rural, urban and Aboriginal communities.

Membership of NDCs, reflecting the Northwest, Northeast and Major Cities (cities of Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay), was announced in February 2005. The fourth council, reflecting the province’s Far North region, was established in spring 2006.

(A list of members, map of council boundaries and other information is available on the Northern Development Council website at www.ndc.gov.on.ca.)

NDC members reflect a broad cross-section of northerners, including community and business leaders, members of Aboriginal communities, Francophone and youth groups, and individuals with experience in education, health, economic development, resource sectors, emerging sectors and municipal and community organizations. The members serve as individuals rather than as delegates of particular organizations or geographic areas.

In 2005-06, the NDCs assisted the government on several issues of importance to Northern Ontario, including Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy, the GO North Investor Program and the Northern Ontario Grow Bonds Pilot initiative.

The Northern Dialogues

In fall 2006, the NDCs completed work on their first Northern Dialogue and, on October 30, submitted their report and recommendations for the creation of new opportunities for youth in Northern Ontario. Their second Northern Dialogue, on Growing and Strengthening Northern Business, will run in March and April, 2007, culminating later this year in recommendations to Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci.

More information about the NDCs and the Northern Dialogues is available on the NDC website (www.ndc.gov.on.ca).

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454

Lisa Zanetti, Manager
Northern Development Council Unit
MNDM – Sudbury
(705) 564-7016

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