Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario

Context

The Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario will highlight regional economic growth opportunities as well as the efforts required to diversify the economic base of the region’s communities. The strategy aims to provide information that will facilitate discussion and inform future budget planning options for economic development in Northern Ontario.

A framework document on priorities for economic growth has been developed by FedNor to set the stage for discussions with Northern Ontario stakeholders and government partners at all levels.

These engagement efforts, beginning later this spring, will lead to the detailed Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario.

Background

Numerous opportunities exist for economic diversification and a transition to a more innovative economy. Northern Ontario has a strong and well-developed resource economy based on mining, forestry, wood products, agri-food and tourism. The region also supports a number of growing clusters and partnerships. They include 10 universities and colleges, five expanding regional innovation centres and a world-class mining cluster. The region also has established business support infrastructure and partnerships and benefits from collaboration among various levels of government and stakeholders.

Key Focus Areas

To build on these opportunities, the Prosperity and Growth Strategy will focus on four areas of potential growth and diversification:

• Building a diverse, skilled and educated workforce

• Promoting the adoption of advanced technologies, including clean technology

• Encouraging business to start up and scale up to compete globally

• Helping municipalities and Indigenous communities better respond to opportunities and challenges

These areas align well with the Government of Canada’s current priorities.

Consultations will take place with key stakeholders such as community and Indigenous leaders, economic development organizations, private sector and industry representatives, Northern Ontario’s innovation centres, and federal and provincial government departments.