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Press Releases |
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Discussion on Challenges and Opportunities of Resource Based Communities January 25, 2010 Mayors and Senior Administrators from Northeastern Ontario Gather to Discuss Challenges and Opportunities of Resource Based Communities Mayors and senior administrators from communities located in the Districts of Cochrane and Temiskaming came together on Saturday January 23 in Timmins to discuss the future of natural resource based industries and communities. Representatives from Hearst to Temiskaming Shores met to review current provincial policies that govern natural resources in Ontario and more specifically, those from Northeastern Ontario. The group studied the provincial governments long term plans with respect to resource management and the effects of government policy on resource based economies. According to Mayor Laughren, "The general consensus from the 20 participants was that Northern Ontario Communities are facing a devastating crisis with respect to the management of the natural resources that fuel Northern communities through jobs and continued growth. Resource based governance issues must be addressed and potential impacts fully understood in order to mitigate the adverse effects that these will have on communities. Immediate solutions to the crisis must be identified and opportunities that support economic activity must be considered by government in an effort to ensure the continued livelihood of Northerners." In order to draw attention to the serious consequences of resource based policies on northern communities, the "action" group led by Mayor Laughren will also request meetings with a number of high ranking officials to include the Northern Caucus of Premier McGuinty's Liberal Government, the Provincial Campaign Chairpersons, Tim Hudak, Leader of the Conservative Party of Ontario, Andrea Horwath, Leader of the New Democratic Party Of Ontario, Tony Clement, Minister of Industry Canada, Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission and First Nation leadership. "The City of Timmins will invest energies in the preparation of a consolidated position paper that will reflect input from the group and identify issues related to foreign takeovers, protection of woodland caribou, hydro electric projects including transmission and pricing, resource extraction and processing , access to natural resources , loss of employment and finally the role that the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission should play in the context of generating economic development opportunities that are of interest to current and future investors doing business in northern communities. I expect that all community partners will bring constructive criticism to the discussion and recommend meaningful solutions that offer northern perspectives and northern solutions to the many northern issues that challenge us now and into the future. We need to present a consolidated and united position to government and we must request concessions that are fair and that support sustainability of Northern communities while safeguarding the quality of life of our residents", added Mayor Laughren. Meetings to discuss the future of natural resource based industries and northeastern communities will be ongoing. For more information contact Mayor Tom Laughren, 705-360-2612 -30- Media Contact: Guy Lamarche |
