Sunday, December 9th, 2012 @ 11:00AM

More than ever we are looking at the opportunities that exist in Northern Ontario to boost the economy, create jobs and create long-term prosperity not only for the North, but for all of Ontario. This plan includes steps to continue support for the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to encourage local decision-making, making the Northern Industrial Energy Rate Program permanent, and developing a long-term plan for the Trans-Canada Highway.

We’re offering Northern-specific policies for the economy, health care, and issues concerning youth, education, and Aboriginal partnerships.

The world is moving quickly - we will identify global best practices that work and deliver results.

 

Jobs and Economy

Where we are

Over the last 9 years, The NOHFC has invested over $745 million to support business in the North. More than 4,500 projects have created almost 20,000 jobs. The resource sector has also seen a tremendous growth, providing high-quality job opportunities for northerners. At the same time, more new mines opened in Ontario than anywhere else in Canada. The value of annual mineral production in Ontario was $10.7 billion in 2011.

The Plan Forward

With the structural changes to the world economy, Northern Ontario’s economic strength has never been more important to all Ontarians. We will develop a strong plan to harness the region’s immense potential and create long-term prosperity.

• Continued support for the NOHFC to encourage local decision-making and help communities grow their economies.

• Making the Northern Industrial Energy Rate Program (NIERP) permanent to support Northern industries in the global marketplace and help them plan for future growth.

• A long term plan for the Trans-Canada Highway that will call on the Federal Government to restore their share of funding to 50%, along with infrastructure improvements to support increased economic activity along the Trans-Canada.

• Promoting opportunities for Value-Added Jobs in natural resource extraction and processing to maximize benefits to Northern Ontario with a focus on growing trade opportunities around the world.

• Maximizing opportunities in the Ring of Fire region, with a renewed emphasis on infrastructure development and collaboration with the mining sector.

• Working with the forestry sector by helping mills modernize and supporting new bio-product market opportunities.

 

Health Care

Where we are

The last decade has seen steady improvement in access to primary care for northern communities. Physician recruitment programs are attracting more doctors to underserviced areas. Thousands more Northern Ontarians have access to a family doctor than in 2003.

The Plan Forward

We must ensure that Northerners have greater access to specialized health care services in their communities. We will make greater investments in community-based care, with more out-of-hospital healthcare options like home care and supportive housing tailored to Northern Ontario’s aging population and unique geography. We will improve the Northern Health Travel Grant program by simplifying the application process, ensuring faster reimbursements, and making the program more flexible to the needs of Northerners.

Youth, Education, and Aboriginal Partnerships

Where we are

Major advancements have been made in post-secondary educational opportunities in Northern Ontario, including the establishment of Algoma University, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the School of Architecture at Laurentian University, and the law school at Lakehead University.

The Plan Forward

We need to create more employment opportunities for young people, encouraging them to stay or settle in Northern Ontario when they complete their studies:

• Creating Job Opportunities for Young People by leveraging the NOHFC Emerging Technology, Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur and Youth Internship and Co-op programs to support young people in their transition from school to work.

• Partnering with Industry to match young people’s skills with the demand for workers in advancing sectors such as technology, mining and energy.

We must work with Aboriginal communities, as partners, to achieve greater engagement and continue to help create economic opportunities:

• Building strong, respectful relationships by working with Aboriginal community partners to develop sustainable, long-term economic opportunities.

• Working with Aboriginal leadership to hold the Federal Government accountable for their responsibilities towards First Nation communities.

Image: eskimo_jo

Posted by admin
Categories: Northern Ontario, The Plan Forward