THUNDER BAY - “The true strength of the North is its people, their resourcefulness and their entrepreneurial spirit. We’re harnessing these qualities to develop a Growth Plan for Northern Ontario that is built by northerners, for northerners. We look forward to reaping the benefits in an innovative, robust and competitive northern economy,” states Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

The Northern Ontario Growth Plan is an effort of both the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

The Province of Ontario is seeking your input for the Northern Growth Plan. The Minister tasked with the responsibility of the proposal is Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle. The Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry is seeking the input from residents of Northwestern Ontario to assist in the plan's development.

You can make your submissions directly:

Proposed Growth Plan for Northern Ontario
Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
159 Cedar Street, Suite 601, Sudbury, ON P3E 6A5
Fax – 1-877-465-4411
E-mail –

You can complete an online feedback form at www.placestogrow.ca For more information call – 1-866-479-9781.

Additionally, over the coming weeks, NetNewsledger.com will be posting sections of the plan, and opening the discussion on what you believe should be included in the plan. Add your thoughts in the comments section.northerngrowthplan@ontario.ca This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The idea is that we can use the Internet, and your comments and ideas to put online. The ideas will be shared with Minister Gravelle. The goal is to insure greater public awareness and

Here is some of the information to assist you in getting your ideas co-ordinated in assisting the Ontario Government.

The international economy is experiencing rapid and far-reaching structural change. Across the globe, regions are striving to understand how to make better use of their existing competitive advantages to position themselves for success in the emerging economic environment. In North America, economic and community success is increasingly based on knowledge, creativity and innovation, where higher education and skills training are basic requirements.

Economic output world-wide has moderated as a result of financial market uncertainty and restructuring of economic sectors. As Ontario and most countries around the world face a time of economic uncertainty and fiscal pressure, planning will first need to focus on ways to use existing investments and assets much more effectively. To prepare for an evolving future, it will be critical to have a long-range plan for Northern Ontario – one that is both visionary and fiscally sustainable.

For Northern Ontario, a vast area of strong, diverse communities and unparalleled natural resources, there are tremendous opportunities in this global economic transformation. With great strengths and advantages in its people and natural environment, Northern Ontario is charting a course to a bright future.
However, key sectors of the northern economy, including forestry, mining and tourism, face significant industry transformation and as a result, partners will need to be more collaborative and apply resources in a more innovative way.

After years of population decline, the North’s population will stabilize between now and 2036.

There are important shifts occurring:

• The Aboriginal youth population is growing and Aboriginal peoples will constitute about 25 per cent of the region’s workforce in the next generation.
• More Northerners will live and work in urban areas.
• The international economy is experiencing rapid and far-reaching structural change driving traditional resource based industries, such as forestry and mining, to seek more value added business opportunities. This growing shift is a catalyst for the emergence of new sectors such as health, bioeconomy, and green energy.

For Northern Ontario, a vast area of strong, diverse communities and unparalleled natural resources, there are tremendous opportunities in this global economic transformation. With great strengths and advantages in its people and natural environment, Northern Ontario is charting a course to a bright future.
To help position the region for economic and employment growth, the Ontario government has developed a Proposed Growth Plan for Northern Ontario under the Places to Grow Act, 2005. The Plan is being built on the strengths of the North, and is led jointly by the ministries of Energy and Infrastructure (MEI), and Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (MNDMF).

Growth plans provide a framework for making decisions about growth that is sustainable, builds strong communities, and promotes a healthy environment within a culture of conservation. They also help guide co-ordinated government investment to support the Plan’s policies.
Guiding Principles:

This 25-year Plan proposes short-, medium- and long-term policies and calls on government and diverse partners to focus their combined efforts on six key principles:

• Creating a highly productive region, with a diverse, globally competitive economy that offers a range of career opportunities for all residents.
• Developing a highly educated and skilled workforce to support an evolving knowledge-based economy and excellence in the trades.
• Partnering with Aboriginal people to achieve better health status and create greater educational and employment opportunities.
• Delivering a complete network of transportation, energy, communications, social and learning infrastructure, to support strong, vibrant communities.
• Demonstrating leadership in sustainable growth and environmental management.

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