Submitted by: Joanne Meyer, MNO Intergovernmental Relations Director
(L-R) Back row: Steve Black, Mayor of Timmins; Alan Spacek, President of The
Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities; Al McDonald, Mayor of North
Bay; the Honourable Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy; Wendy Landry,
Mayor of Shuniah; and Brian Bigger, Mayor of Sudbury. Front row: France
Picotte, PCMNO Chair; and the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of
Northern Development and Mines.
On June 28, 2016, PCMNO Chair France Picotte attended the Northern Leader’s Dialogue meeting in Sudbury. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
The Ontario government recognizes the necessity of working with partners across the North in developing effective strategies for economic growth across this region. As such, the engagement of northern municipal, Indigenous and community leaders is vital in the continued implementation of the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario. This meeting allowed partners to work collaboratively for the greater benefit of the people of northern Ontario. Chair Picotte’s participation in the meeting provided the MNO with a valuable opportunity to network and educate other northern leaders about Métis issues.
This year`s meeting included constructive dialogue on many key topics with strong linkages to the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario. Other key topics included: Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan; inter-community bus modernization; Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy; the province’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report; and the regional economic development and investment efforts of Ontario’s North Economic Development Corporation. The meeting was very successful and provided an opportunity to share perspectives and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Posted July 12, 2016