The Deputy Premier says the annual Northern Development Minister’s Forum is being held in Fort McMurray because it’s not just a boom-town it’s a home-town.
Thomas Lukaszuk says outsiders can often be critical.
“But when you compare us to other communities throughout Canada, we are on the leading edge,” he continues, “so, they’re [the ministers] looking to Fort McMurray on how to develop a northen resource-based community into a town that residents can flock to and be proud of.”
He says the region has blossomed into a place people are proud to call home, but it’s not always the case in northern communities throughout Canada.
“They still turn out to be sort of industrial, resource towns, but not towns that are hospitable to it’s residents.”
He says over the 3 day forum, the ministers from across Canada will pin-point northern lifestyle necessities to work on over the next year.
They’ll then task appropriate officials to follow through with the requests.
During the gathering the ministers will discuss things such as social development, communication, and northern resource exports.
He says the labour shortage will be on of the main topics, but they’ll also talk about accessing high speed internet, housing and more.
Lukaszuk says Fort McMurray has more info to offer the ministers than to borrow.
“Building a fast-growing, resource-based economy can be balanced with environmental stewardship, with quality of life and can be balanced with creating a town that is a home-town, not a boom town,” he very happily adds, “and that’s the message we’re trying to spread.”
He says they’re showcasing the municipal government because it’s built string relationships and a strong community.
They ministers, and senior officials will tour the community, the oilsands, and take a plane tour of the Saskatchewan border.
The meeting wraps up tomorrow.
September 24th, 2013
