Message from the Secretary of State.

• Position: FedNor Update - Brief Article

As Secretary of State for Rural Development and FedNor, I have a tremendous opportunity to travel extensively throughout the North, to meet and speak with many of you. In an effort to speak to all Northern Ontarians collectively, I am pleased to introduce these updates to highlight the vital role each of you play in helping FedNor achieve its goals, and to update you on FedNor's activities in the North.

I am continually impressed by the innovative solutions that northerners develop for solving their unique community challenges. FedNor's commitment is to develop and implement programs and services that recognize a spirit of collaboration and cooperation with community partners.

To fulfil this commitment, FedNor has developed an array of tools to specifically address key issues facing the people who choose to live and work in Northern Ontario -- tools such as the Community Futures Program, the Youth Internship Program and the Aboriginal Business Service Network. We have also increased our presence "on the ground" by opening new offices in Timmins and North Bay, to complement our existing locations in Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Parry Sound and Kenom. Being closer to our clients will ensure better delivery of FedNor programs and services throughout the North.

At FedNor, we share your concerns for the ongoing development of resource-based communities. We recognize the importance of supporting small and medium-sized businesses and local entrepreneurs. We realize that in order to compete and thrive, we must promote economic growth, diversification, job creation and sustainable, self-reliant communities. The challenge FedNor faces in Northern Ontario is to help northern communities build capacity to compete more effectively, both at home and around the world, in attracting needed investment capital and employment opportunities, particularly for northern youth and the North's Aboriginal population.

However, the key to FedNor's success in building a vibrant and prosperous Northern Ontario has been -- and will continue to be -- the spirit, support and active participation of its residents. You represent the human capacity essential to community economic development.

We often speak of the richness of the North's natural resources. As we build on our past successes and tackle the challenges which lie ahead, FedNor will continue to invest in the North's most precious resource -- its people!

Andy Mitchell

Secretary of State

(Rural...