Northern Development Ministers’ Forum

Fort McMurray, Alberta (September 25, 2013) – Federal, provincial and  territorial Ministers responsible for the development of Canada’s north met in Fort  McMurray this week for the Northern Development Ministers Forum (NDMF).

Energy for All was the theme of  the Forum co-hosted by Alberta  Deputy Premier and Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education, Thomas  Lukaszuk and Saskatchewan Minister of Government Relations and Minister  Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs, Jim Reiter.

The results of the three priority  projects were presented to the Ministers during the three-day gathering. These  projects included: an overview of the complexities of the housing sector in  northern regions; research on benefits for local communities; and an analysis  of the demand for information and communications technology including the  exploration of a Canadian standard for broadband.

“Alberta is dedicated to  helping deliver a Canadian Energy Strategy with our provincial and territorial  partners and this gathering has given us an important opportunity to provide  perspectives on the future of energy development in the north,” said Minister  Lukaszuk. “As a co-host of the Forum, I am very pleased with the commitment and  passion of my colleagues and this forum is a strong catalyst for how we can all  work together to build on our strengths and enhance the quality of life in  northern communities.” Provincial and Territorial Ministers expressed interest  in exploring potential east-west hydroelectric power grids in the prairies and  elsewhere in the north.

One of the goals of the NDMF  is raising awareness of northern opportunities and challenges, while  highlighting the vital impacts that Canada’s northern regions have across our  country. In recognition of the important role that energy plays in Canada’s  north, the forum featured tours of the oilsands in the Wood Buffalo Region, the  McArthur River Uranium Mine in northern Saskatchewan, and of the many  substantial community engagement initiatives occurring in both jurisdictions.

“This conference represented  an excellent opportunity for Alberta and Saskatchewan to showcase to our  colleagues from across Canada our strong record of ensuring local benefits from  major development of our world class resources,” said Minister Reiter.

The seven ministers in  attendance, including Federal Minister Bernard Valcourt, agreed to build upon  these discussions at the next Forum in Whitehorse, Yukon, in 2014. Next year`s  Forum will feature three priority projects: managing change, next-generation  economies and phase two of the benefit agreements discussion. The Forum  provides federal, provincial and territorial ministers representing Canada’s  North an opportunity to advance common interests. For more information on the NDMF  visit: www.focusnorth.ca.

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Media  contacts:

                                               

Kevin  Donnan            Public  Affairs Officer – Communications            Alberta  Enterprise and Advanced Education            780-868-6178            kevin.donnan@gov.ab.ca

Cathe  Offet            Communications  Director            Saskatchewan  Ministry of Government Relations            306-787-5701            cathe.offet@gov.sk.ca