News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

April 3, 2017

Province Launches Northern Economic Summits, Engages Northern Communities in Shared Pursuit of Economic Growth

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Partnerships Key to Long-term Success in Manitoba's North: Cullen

OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION—Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen was here today to launch a series of Northern Economic Summits, the next step in the Manitoba government’s Look North Strategy for long-term and sustainable economic development in the province’s north. 

“These summits are a unique opportunity to build meaningful partnerships that are necessary to capture the opportunities for growth and long-term development in the region,” said Cullen.  “They will bring together communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, industry and labour leaders in a collaborative forum to identify pathways leading to renewed growth and economic diversification.  Strengthening relationships with northern communities and their leaders is a priority for our government.” 

Northern Economic Summits will be held in The Pas today and tomorrow, in Thompson on April 4 and 5 and in Churchill April 5 and 6.  The summits will be led by Look North Task Force co-chairs Onekanew (Chief) Christian Sinclair of Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, with a mandate to develop a northern economic development strategy in collaboration with Manitobans.  Sinclair and Davidson welcomed the launch of the summits. 

“We are looking forward to sharing ideas and helping to inspire long-term solutions for the economic sustainability of our communities,” said Sinclair.  “These summits are an important first step toward increasing Indigenous participation in building the economies of Manitoba’s northern and remote regions.”   

“Engagement with northern communities and leaders will inform the task force as we develop a strategy to develop existing expertise and attract new businesses and investment to the north,” said Davidson.  “Northern Manitoba holds tremendous untapped potential and has been widely recognized as a region with significant opportunities for growth and renewal.” 

Cullen noted that a number of community roundtables have also been organized throughout the province as part of the open discussion on northern development, adding that a stronger northern economy will be built on partnerships with communities and businesses to generate the sustained growth and job creation needed to ensure a prosperous future in the region. 

Manitobans are encouraged to continue contributing their creativity and vision for the north via social media using the hashtag #looknorthmb or by submitting short videos, photos or in writing.  Ideas can be submitted to www.gov.mb.ca/looknorth/engagement/index

The minister added those from outside Manitoba considering investing in the region are encouraged to visit www.looknorthmb.ca to access information about building a business in northern Manitoba. 

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