The natural resources sector — and the industries that support it — provide the strongest potential for Northern Canada’s future economic development, the Conference Board of Canada concluded in a study for its Centre for the North, released today.

This report, Mapping the Economic Potential of Canada’s North, is one of a series of foundational studies for the Centre for the North. It is intended to provide a launch pad for further inquiry into the future economic development potential of the North.

“The economic potential of Northern Canada is highly dependent on its mining and oil and gas resources,” said Len Coad, Director, Environment, Energy and Technology Policy, The Conference Board of Canada. “These primary industries also drive growth in other sectors of Northern economies, including communication, electricity and transportation infrastructure, and commercial services. They can contribute to the prosperity of northern communities by providing jobs and supporting local businesses.”

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Ontario and Quebec have long histories of diverse mining operations. The “Ring of Fire” could make Northern Ontario a big player in chromite mining, while large amounts of exploration expenditures will flow into Quebec. Labrador will see a boost in iron ore production from several mines.

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