Ministers meet to discuss northern development issues

Federal-provincial and territorial ministers responsible for northern development met today in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to discuss social, economic and infrastructure development opportunities in Canada�s northern regions. The forum was hosted by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We are extremely pleased to host this event," said Minister Ernest McLean. "We have agreed to explore how best to structure our forum so that we can raise awareness of northern issues in other ministerial forums and enhance the profile of the north within the governments represented and the general public. Northerners can be assured that we will be returning to our governments and constituents sharing new ideas, confident that our work is supported across the country."

Delegations from across Canada led round-table discussions on northern development experiences, initiatives and best practices. Newfoundland and Labrador opened the discussion on social development, Saskatchewan spoke to value-added economic development and Ontario addressed infrastructure needs.

Ministers acknowledge the critical interdependent and practical relationship between economic and social policies and practices which underline northern development. A well-educated and healthy population contributes to strong federal, provincial and territorial economies which, in turn, enable communities to develop sustainable social initiatives.

Ministers agreed that cooperation is a key to furthering collective goals within all jurisdictions of Canada, and further agreed to continue to seek input and advice from the constituencies and communities they represent. Delegates particularly spoke to the need to actively involve Aboriginal groups and the private sector in the process.

Ministers spoke about the future of the North and its contribution to the future of Canada as a whole. The strengths of the people in the northern parts of the country, as well as the vast natural resources, are expected to be building blocks for the provinces and territories. Through cooperative federalism and collaboration among all levels of government, the full potential of Canada�s North will be reached.

Ministers appreciate the huge potential in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon. Territorial ministers indicated that, to play a meaningful role in Canada�s future, it is critical that a new economic development partnership with Canada be established. Recognizing the past, they requested any new partnership arrangements be flexible and targeted, within each territory, at those developments with the most immediate benefits for northern residents.

Commenting on the overall concepts presented at the forum, Minister McLean stated that ministers responsible for northern areas have an over-arching mandate. "Northerners expect us to represent their interests over the full range of government policy development and program delivery. It is important that we collaborate in some setting which promotes economic and social development in the territories and northern parts of provinces."

An officials working group has been established with a mandate to provide recommendations on the forum, its objectives and shared social and economic priorities. The next meeting will be held in Saskatchewan.

In attendance were:

Minister Ernest McLean, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Minister of Government Services and Lands , Newfoundland and Labrador
Minister Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Canada
Minister Tim Hudak, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Ontario
Minister Eric Robinson, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, Manitoba
Minister Keith Goulet, Minister of Northern Affairs, Saskatchewan
Minister Wayne Jim, Minister of Housing and Government Services, Yukon
Minister Joe Handley, Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Northwest Territories
Minister Peter Kilabuk, Minister of Sustainable Development, Nunavut.

Media contact:

2000 09 27 5:40 p.m.