Premier Doug Ford says opportunities in the Northwest will convince newcomers to the province to settle here.
Speaking to media during a stop in Thunder Bay Thursday, Ford says the previous government focused too hard on having the service sector expand within Ontario’s economy.
“Service is good, but you need a combination of both you need manufacturing and servicing and again this is an opportunity of a lifetime here in the province.”
Ford notes the best selling feature he has to promote the province is its people, referencing workers in the forestry, mining and auto sectors.
Earlier in the day Ford announced $5.7 million for six projects in the Greenstone area.
This was followed up by a stop at Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services, where the province announced it would be expanding the programs to include in-class apprenticeship training for carpentry.
With a goal of providing those in the Matawa First Nations communities the option to pursue state-of-the-art training.
“Once you have a trade no one can take it off of you, you’ll always be able to go and have that trade, what an incredible program.”
(Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)
A community which will see the benefit of the training and its results is Marten Falls First Nation, located 473 km northeast of Thunder Bay, which would help the the remote First Nation address its housing crisis, which as Chief Bruce Achneepineskum explains would allow them to build capacity for members and acquire more red seal carpenters and other forms of trade.
“Providing our First Nation community members with the tools, and training to build and maintain our would would be leading out own way to prosperity and sustainable growth.”
Other communities which will benefit from the training include:
- Aroland First Nation
- Constance Lake First Nation
- Long Lake #58 First Nation
- Ginoogaming First Nation
- Eabametoong First Nation
- Marten Falls First Nation
- Neskantaga First Nation
- Nibinamik First Nation
- Webequie First Nation
Ford was joined by Thunder Bay – Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland and the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Minister of Northern Development Greg Rickford, who thanked the work KKETS is doing and offered a message to the next generation of skilled workers.
“You have an opportunity of a lifetime and we’re here to support that.”
Rickford notes the Premier had given him a directive to focus on opportunities for northern communities.
Ford then finished off his day with a visit to Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, formerly Resolute Forest Products, and the Resolute Forest Products sawmill, where he met with workers at both facilities.
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