*VideoAdded*Annoucements at NOMA Conference
The Hon. Michael Gravelle Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forests addressed Noma arrendees as Key Note Speaker at Thursday's supper.
September 30, 2010
Dr. Christine Kaszycki newly appointed Coordinator of the Ring of Fire. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
THUNDER BAY, ON – Northern Ontario Municipalities Association conference attendees were pleasantly surprised to learn of a change in the agenda Thursday when it was announced that Premier Dalton McGuinty would be the Key Note Speaker during their luncheon at the Airlaine Travelodge Hotel.
McGuinty commended the municipal leaders in attendance, many of which are currently running for re-election as communities will go to the polls to choose their local councils on October 25th. He spoke of the importance of community service and giving back through political office.
The Premier also acknowledged the many challenges faced by nothern residents, celebrating the benefits which stand to be gained through development of the Ring of Fire, an area in the North with significant chromite deposits, before announcing t Dr. Christine Kaszycki had been chosen to lead this development as Coordinator of the Ring of Fire.
Ontario has the potential to become the only North American supplier of chromite, which is used to produce stainless steel and other products. Mineral development in the Ring of Fire could mean thousands of jobs in construction and in mine operations, including significant economic opportunities for First Nation communities.
Development of the Ring of Fire and the Northern Ontario Energy Credit are key components of the 2010 Budget and are part of the province’s five-year Open Ontario Plan to enhance job creation and boost economic growth across the province.
It seems the economic tide may be turning for Northshore residents, this follows the re-opening of Terrace Bay Pulp this week as well as recent news that Northern Ontarians will be getting some help with the cost of home heating. The new, permanent Northern Ontario Energy Credit will provide a yearly credit of up to $130 for a single person and up to $200 for a family.
Because of the North’s unique climate and geography, Northerners often face higher energy costs than other Ontarians. To help with those costs, Northern Ontario residents who file a tax return, pay rent or property tax and meet income criteria are eligible for the credit.
McGunity received a standing ovation after his address to NOMA, staying to network with municipal leaders who lined-up assisted for their opportunity to speak and have photos taken with the Premier and the Minister of Northern Development Mines and Forests Michael Gravelle, the line-up extending out of the banquet room into the hall.
Schreiber Councillor Tina Morrill was among those who had issues to discuss with Premier McGuinty. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
Schreiber Councillor Tina Morrill speaks with Premier McGuinty at NOMA's Semi-Annual Conference in Thunder Bay; these are important opportunities less available to Northern Municipal Leaders.
Minister Northern Development, Mines and Forests Michael Gravelle, Councillor Tina Morrill, Premier Dalton McGuinty and MPP Bill Mauro.
NOMA Conferences continued Thursday and Friday, sessions/workshops included:
- Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy – Melissa Thomson, Director, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Moderater Manitouwadge Mayor John MacEachern
- Building Municipal-Aboriginal Relations – Polly Dondy-Kaplan, Senior Advisor Aboriginal Relations and Ministry Parnerships, MAA and Shannon Smith Manager, Community Planning & Development Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Moderator Sioux Lookout Mayor Kathy Poiling
- Renewable Energy in Northwestern Ontario – Bob Chow, Director Power Systems Planning Ontario Power Authority and Al Arnott, Director, Atikokan Biomass Project, Ontario Power Generation; Moderator Thunder Bay Councillor Ian Angus
- Exploration in the Northwest – John Mason, Regional manager Ministry of Northern Deveopment Mines and Forests And Gary Clark, Executive Director, Ontario Prospectors Association; Moderator Greenstone Mayor Michael Power
- And many other important informational sessions.
**Unfortunately, technical issues cut off the beginning of the Premier’s speech catching just the end of a personal story he shared, about when his kids were young and they had been caught in play, not pretending any typical childhood scenario but instead ‘playing campaign’ which of course was no surprise as they lived the experience of their father’s service in politics.
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QUICK FACTS
- The Ring of Fire is located 535 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.
- Residents of the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Timiskaming may apply for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit.
- The 2010 credit will be paid in two instalments — in November 2010 and in February 2011. The final deadline to apply for the 2010 credit is June 30, 2011.
LEARN MORE
- Northerners can apply for the new Northern Ontario Energy Credit by downloading an application form or by picking one up at any ServiceOntario centre. Check your eligibility by calling 1-866-305-1954.
- Get Northern Ontario Energy Credit details online.
Terrace Bay Mayor and Council after a brief opportunity to speak with the Premier, pose for a photo including MPPs Bill Mauro and Michael Gravelle Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forests.
