Elaine Della-Mattia

The Sault Star

It was the first meeting of minds since the last provincial and municipal elections.

Two provincial ministers and municipal and First Nation leaders from across Northern Ontario gathered in Sault Ste. Marie to discuss Northern issues and focus on the Northern Ontario Growth Plan.

Sault MPP David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, said the discussion was “fruitful and frank” and talked about issues that are of concern to all of Northern Ontario.

The growth plan, unveiled by the province four years ago as a blueprint to economic development in the North for the next 25 years, was a topic of discussion along with issues in agriculture, mining and multi modal transportation, among others.

The meeting was a continuance of gatherings that began several years ago after the Northern Ontario Large Urban Mayors Group requested regular meetings with the provincial government to move forward with the Northern Ontario Growth Plan in partnership with the communities it affects.

“What we share today reflects the common values we have as leaders,” said Orazietti. “What struck me today was the common reinforcement and initiatives and common issues that we share as Northerners that we need to advance.”

He said collective and common concerns were identified to develop strategies and actions to move forward and develop tangible results.

Orazietti said everyone around the table was concerned about the economy, young people and partnering together so that all Northern Ontario communities are strengthened.

He said the lower Canadian dollar does pose challenges to some industries more than others.

“There are some benefits to export and manufacturing but it does present some challenges to our largest manufacturer, Essar,” he said. Essar is forced to purchase some of its raw materials in U.S. funds, but can pay its employees and sell its products in Canadian funds.

Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, called the meting a positive one and said “Premier Kathleen Wynne has made it clear that Northern Ontario is a real priority for our government.”

Gravelle believes that the plan will result in Northern Ontario becoming a greater part of the Ontario economy.

“We spoke openly and are glad to be here today,” he said.

Mayor Christian Provenzano said the meeting was about team building and one of his first opportunities to meet many other Northern Ontario mayors.

It was an opportunity, to use the metaphor, 'how the water in the harbor goes up'. When the water in the harbor goes up, the boats go up,” he said.

Provenzano said he's looking forward on what can be done and his focus was on the multi-modal study, agriculture and how to improve Northern Ontario as a whole.

“Everyone here has a common goal and that is to improve the lives of the people here that we live with and love and care about in Northern Ontario and we will work hard to achieve those goals,” he said.

Gravelle said there has been “substantial progress” with the Northern Ontario Growth Plan on several fronts.

“But to be fair, there is a desire on the part of the municipal and aboriginal leaders to push specific concerns or priorities that they have and that's the opportunity that this dialogue provides,” Gravelle said.

Gravelle said the multi-modal transportation aspect of the plan, which is a priority for Sault Ste. Marie and crucial to move materials to the various markets, is moving forward with its planning.

The meeting included discussions on key economic development sectors including agriculture opportunities, EDC hubs and the mining and forestry sector, he said.

“We are just going to continue to work to move it forward,” he said.

Gravelle said that the studies, including the multi-modal transportation study, is close to the “crucial” points where recommendations will be made and discussions with cabinet on why areas should receive funding.

Ditto for how agriculture is becoming more important in Northern Ontario, he said.

“I'm particularly excited about some of the developments that we're seeing in the agriculture sector,” he said.

Gravelle said all sectors are moving forward with the 25-year plan, at different rates.

“It's about seizing those opportunities, about making the right investments at the right time,” Gravelle said.

What wasn't raised during the discussion was the Port of Algoma business case study that is now underway.

Gravelle said he's aware of the project – because NOHFC and FedNor contributed funding to it – and understands that the Port could be key in the multi-modal transportation strategy in the future.

Provenzano said the port fits into the multi-modal transportation strategy for the Northern Ontario Growth Plan but that business plan still needs to develop.

Gravelle said that the Ontario government will work closely with each municipality to focus on their needs and strategies through the NOHFC.

http://www.saultstar.com/2015/02/12/northern-leaders-meet-to-discuss-growth