Think North II.

• Position: Conference notes

Stakeholders moved a step closer to realizing a regional economic development plan for the North when they gathered last month for ThinkNorth II, a brainstorming session designed to tap into Northern skill and expertise as the province moves forward with its Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

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Held over four days in two sessions hosted by Thunder Bay and Sudbury, ThinkNorth II welcomed municipal and First Nations representatives, business people, economists, educators and experts from around the globe into one forum to discuss the next steps for economic growth in the North.

Michael Gravelle, Minister for Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, emphasized the Growth Plan is a document created by Northerners for Northerners, which will provide a clear path forward.

"There's no doubt that during this conference, our goal is to work together to develop an action plan, and I want to stress that word, action," he said. "This is an opportunity for us to develop a new approach to economic development planning in Northern Ontario, and we're excited about the opportunities that come with that."

Gravelle stressed that, while this is phase one of the process, input from regions across the North is integral to the development of the plan.

"We know clearly, from many years of experience, economic development isn't one-size-fits-all," the minister told participants. "I think that's why the knowledge of everyone in this room is so crucial to the work that will happen here today and the advice will be so important."

The province is already showing signs of progress, with an announcement of $16.6 million under the Emerging Technology Program to extend broadband Internet service in the North and a second announcement of $8.6 million under the Northern Training Partnership Fund to provide on-the-job training to Northerners in the mining, forestry, agriculture, energy and tourism sectors.

Praising the North for its proactive approach to planning, Joy Wilkins, a senior fellow of the University of Georgia's Fanning Institute, said the region, with its emphasis on education and communication, was well poised to join the global economy.

"One of the things that is so impressive about this Growth Plan is that the top three principles are people-focused; it's all about developing current opportunities for all residents," she said. "Definitely, you guys are on a great path and I'm so excited for you all."

Because of the...