Northern Development Ministers' Forum Builds Economic Growth Opportunities for Canada's Northern Regions

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

News release

January 24, 2019 — Yellowknife, Northwest Territories — Northern Development Ministers' Forum

Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for the development of Canada's northern regions met today in Yellowknife for the annual Northern Development Ministers' Forum. The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, hosted this year's Forum themed Inclusive Partnerships in the North. Discussions focused on the importance of inclusive economic and social development to achieve shared and sustainable prosperity and make life better for all Northerners.

Attending Ministers discussed the North's experiences and particular needs, as well as social development opportunities, specifically with regard to the following key priority areas:

  • Economic resilience – rebuilding communities after a catastrophic event;
  • Government service delivery in northern communities;
  • Economic Growth Studies for Indigenous Communities; and
  • Growing the digital economy in remote northern communities.

Through expert panels and guest speakers, partnerships in areas such as economic resiliency, government service delivery, and digital infrastructure were explored as means of improving socio-economic conditions for Northerners, including northern Indigenous communities.

The next Northern Development Ministers' Forum will be hosted by the Government of Manitoba.

Quotes

"I am pleased with our energized discussions, and look forward to continued partnership with provincial and territorial colleagues to bring long-lasting benefits to Canada's North. We know that implementing solutions developed for Northerners by Northerners is the best way to achieve meaningful progress."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade

"Meeting with our Federal and Provincial counterparts gives us the opportunity to identify and discuss the significant social and economic development potential in our northern communities. Manitoba is honoured to host the 2019-2020 Forum and looks forward to collaboratively working with provincial, territorial, and federal Ministers."

The Honourable Eileen Clarke
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations, Government of Manitoba

"It was a pleasure to host Minister LeBlanc along with representatives and colleagues from across Canada's northern regions in our capital. Canada's northern regions can be the drivers of economic prosperity in our respective jurisdictions and for our nation. These meetings are a welcomed opportunity to discuss our shared priorities, address our unique challenges, and take stock of the work that we are advancing together."

The Honourable Wally Schumann
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories

"Nunavut is committed to developing our infrastructure and economy in ways that support a positive future for our people, our communities and our land. This year's forum has provided an opportunity to work with our Northern partners and the federal government on ways to increase economic opportunities, community self-reliance and local employment in emerging and traditional industries."

The Honourable David Akeeagok
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut

"This forum provided a unique opportunity to connect with our counterparts from across Canada and discuss issues of interest to Yukoners. The topics were highly relevant, given Yukon's focus on delivering citizen-centred programs and services and strong government-to-government relationships with First Nations. The discussions tied into the Government of Yukon's commitment to supporting a growing economy and healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities. I would like to thank my counterparts for their time and look forward to our continued collaboration."

The Honourable Ranj Pillai
Minister of Economic Development, Government of Yukon

Quick facts

  • The Northern Development Ministers Forum is mandated to:

    • reinforce cooperation among federal, provincial and territorial authorities in northern regions of Canada;
    • identify strategic actions that will advance the socio-economic development of northern regions;
    • exchange information and share best practices on northern priorities; and,
    • recommend actions to be implemented by Ministers in accordance with their mandate and within their jurisdictions.

  • Member jurisdictions are the Governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Québec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

  • The Northern Development Ministers Forum is organized around a series of priority projects as identified by Ministers at previous Forums. Priority projects focus on economic, fiscal and social issues of importance to Canada's northern regions.

Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

John Power
Senior Communication Advisor
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
John.Power@iga-aig.gc.ca
613-947-7031

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

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