I recently had the opportunity to attend my
first meeting as a member of the Ontario Mineral Industry
Cluster Council (OMICC), a new group aimed at cementing
Ontario's reputation as a leader in the mining industry.
As the Government of Canada's lead for
economic development in Northern Ontario, FedNor is pleased to
be part in this important initiative.
Established by Minister of Northern
Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci, and chaired by George
Pirie and Warren Holmes,the OMICC clearly understands the
enormous potential of becoming a world-renowned cluster of
mining innovation and service.
With Northern Ontario's already impressive
reputation in the world of mining, I believe the partnerships
formed in the creation of OMICC have the potential to change
the north's future.
As was noted in a recent newspaper column,
the total value of historic mineral production and existing
reserves in the Sudbury Basin is more than $300 billion.
That's right. Billion. Even more interesting
is the fact that the employment in secondary mining businesses
in the region has actually topped the number of jobs in the
actual mines.
In short, the expertise for a cluster already
exists, and in essence, we just need to pull it all together
and tell the world.
That's what OMICC plans to do. While the
group establishes priorities and articulates a vision, FedNor
will work diligently with the council as we explore the
possibility of becoming home to an Institute for Mining
Research and Innovation. These are big ideas, but considering
the expertise found around the OMICC table and the talent in
our communities, I'm confident that this idea can become
reality.
From FedNor's perspective, the expectations
for the development of a recognized mining cluster are simple -
create jobs in the north, grow businesses that will help
diversify the economy, and most importantly, create real
economic opportunities in Northern Ontario for our young
people.
We firmly believe developing a strong mineral
industry cluster is a step in the right direction.
Louise Paquette
Director General
FedNor, Sudbury