Northern Development Ministers’ Forum

NEWS RELEASE – NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT MINISTERS’ FORUM HIGHLIGHTS

OTTAWA, Ontario (November 23, 2007) –   Federal, provincial and territorial ministers representing northern Canadian   jurisdictions met in Ottawa for their annual two-day meeting.

The Dynamic North was the theme for this year’s forum, which was   hosted by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal   Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Chuck Strahl, and   co-chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary for Indian and Northern Affairs   Canada, Rod Bruinooge.

Discussions focused on opportunities, challenges and the changing nature of   development in Canada’s North, including issues such as climate change,   regulatory improvement, and consultation and accommodation with Aboriginal   Peoples. Presentations by two northern community youth groups—the Cross Lake   Army Cadet Program, based in Cross Lake, Manitoba, and Nunavut Sivuniksavut,   based in Ottawa, Ontario – highlighted efforts to ensure that northern youth are   equipped to take advantage of development opportunities.

“In recent years, Canada’s northern regions have experienced unprecedented   growth and development. It has become clear that governments and northerners   must work together to respond to these changes, and prepare to capitalize on   opportunities for future growth,” said Minister Strahl. “The recent Speech from   the Throne highlighted our Government’s commitment to the North”, Minister   Strahl added. “Moving forward, we will work with provincial and territorial   governments to examine what steps we can take to address these challenges and   realize the vast potential of this region.” 

Ministers asked their officials to establish two working groups: one on   climate change that would document and share information on strategies to   mitigate and adapt to climate change as it affects northern development and   another to develop a proposal for the future direction of the Forum, and how   best to focus efforts to maximize the Forum’s impact.

They also launched an official website for the Forum:  www.focusnorth.ca and approved the proposed   theme for the 2008 meeting, Developing the Tourism Potential of the   North, which will be hosted by the Government of the Northwest Territories.   Ministers also received reports on other priority projects.

"I look forward to hosting this summit in the Northwest Territories next   year. Our region, in particular, is experiencing rapid growth and development.    Our Territory will provide an excellent backdrop for this forum to continue our   work and dialogue on Northern issues," stated Robert R. McLeod, Minister of   Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories.  

The forum was established in 2001 to promote the diverse interests of   northerners and the accomplishments, contributions and potential of the North.

Observations by Ministers in Attendance

“This important forum provides a valuable opportunity for jurisdictions from   across Canada to share ideas and information on common issues facing northern   communities,” said the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern   Development and Mines for Ontario. “I am particularly excited about pursuing an   innovation agenda and maximizing the benefits of an innovative economy for our   residents.”

“Our discussions confirm the extent of the impact of climate change on the   Northern regions, and enable us to identify the related issues and determine how   we need to change our current way of doing things to enable Northern residents   to adapt,” stated Vincent Auclair, parliamentary assistant to the Quebec   Minister of municipal and regional affairs. “In fact, phenomena such as melting   ice caps, deteriorating permafrost, and the introduction of new species will   certainly generate new issues for the North. We have benefited from the presence   of experts in this field to examine some adaptation strategies.”

The Honourable Eric Robinson, Manitoba Minister of Culture, Heritage, Tourism   and Sport, attending on behalf of Honourable Oscar Lathlin, Manitoba Minister of   Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, said, “The Forum provided an opportunity for   the Cross Lake Cadets to present the story of how an army cadet corps came to   the communities of Cross Lake First Nation and Cross Lake Community Council.   Simply put, the Cross Lake Cadets have instilled community pride, have become   role models for youth across Northern Manitoba, and are now becoming role models   for Aboriginal youth across this country.”

Dennis MacKay, MLA for Bulkley Valley-Stikine, attending the Forum on behalf   of the Honourable Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development for British   Columbia, said, "In British Columbia's northern region, optimism is building as   new opportunities for economic diversification are emerging. We are pleased to   learn from our colleagues and to share our vision for community-led economic   development that takes full advantage of our status as Canada's Pacific   Gateway."

"Great, exciting things are happening in Northern Canada, particularly in the   tourism and natural resource sectors," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister   of Labrador Affairs, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. "I always enjoy   sharing information with my northern colleagues, on these and other pressing   issues, affecting the North."

“As we have seen at this conference, Canada’s north presents great challenges   but also great opportunity for our youth. We must help them prepare for the   future,” said the Honourable David Simailak, Minister of Economic Development   and Transportation for the Government of Nunavut.

This release is also available on the Internet at www.inac.gc.ca

For more information, please contact:

Minister's Office
Philippe Mailhot
Press   Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002

Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs   Canada
(819) 953-1160