News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

October 20, 2017

Province Receives Look North Report And Action Plan for Manitoba's Northern Economy

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Many Opportunities for Growth, Economic Development in the North: Pedersen

THOMPSON—Following extensive input from communities across northern Manitoba, the Look North Economic Task Force presented its report and action plan to government to help advance economic growth and prosperity in the region, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen announced here today. 

“One of our first priorities since forming government has been working with northerners to unlock the economic potential this region holds,” said Pedersen.  “I would like to thank the task force for its insight in preparing this report based on their conversations with the people who live and work in the north.  This action plan will guide our collaborative work towards achieving the objective of Look North, initiating generational change and transforming the economic future of the region.”   

Task force co-chairs Onekanew (Chief) Christian Sinclair and Chuck Davidson presented the report and action plan at an event hosted by the Thompson Chamber of Commerce.  The co-chairs acknowledged the work of the task force members and the meetings held throughout the region that helped capture the unique identity of northern Manitoba in this report. 

“We heard from many northerners, and this roadmap has been designed based on the dreams and aspirations of the people of northern Manitoba,” said Sinclair.  “I am pleased to share this strategy that shows when Indigenous peoples are engaged as partners, everyone benefits and successes will be shared with all of Manitoba and Canada.”

“This report and action plan is not the end, it marks a beginning,” said Davidson.  “My belief is the Look North initiative can be the catalyst that will lead to a prosperous and reinvigorated northern Manitoba for decades to come.” 

The action plan identified six things that matter most to northern Manitoba and its economy:

  • realizing northern mineral and other resource potential;
  • Indigenous engagement and partnerships;
  • strategic infrastructure investment;
  • converting housing challenges into opportunity;
  • building an enterprise ecosystem of support; and
  • education, training and workforce development. 

Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke also attended the event, recognizing the importance of partnerships with Indigenous communities to achieve the immediate and long-term goals set out in the action plan. 

“The foundation of economic development in the north must be built on stronger engagement with Indigenous communities, which was a prevailing theme during the Northern Economic Summits and in this report,” said Clarke.  “The Look North action plan supports our government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation through mutually respectful relationships between the Crown and Indigenous peoples.”

Clarke noted the Look North Report and Action Plan for Manitoba’s Northern Economyis available online at www.looknorthmb.ca

The ministers encouraged Manitobans to continue contributing their vision and optimism for the north via social media using the hashtag #LookNorthMB.   

Previous news about Look North can be found at:

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