A new course to success

By Ken Boshcoff
MP T.Bay-RR

Last week I outlined opportunities in biomedical research, biomass, abattoirs, environmental technology, the port and Seaway, grain inspection and initiatives led by economic development teams across the Northwest.
So, what about mining, a steel mill, aviation, marine conservation, tourism, highways, FedNor, retail initiatives or cyclotrons?
We can all see the flurry of activity in mining exploration from Atikokan to Rainy River. Communities throughout the North are poised to receive an influx of workers and their families. Companies will no longer be building whole new towns but will use nearby airports and fly the workers in. The pace of improvements to broadband is picking up again and I will continue to push on this.
The possibility of 200 jobs for a steel mill supplying pipes is coming closer to a reality.
The air carriers in the northwest are expanding their routes, their fleets, and their staff. This growth will be fundamental to our success.
The Marine Conservation area announced last year should be undertaking facility construction soon (actually it should have started last spring!)
Tourism must be organized and focused into a regional “brand”. As I travel this riding I am constantly impressed with its great potential.

Highway construction is second only to home construction in job production.
Twinning the Trans Canada is reasonable and achievable. Now that there is agreement between the federal and provincial governments I say just start the construction!
As the critic for FedNor I have been trying to nudge the government into faster turnaround times, a fairer distribution of the projects, and restoration to previous levels of funding.
People like Diane Petryna have been driving forces for small businesses in our region and the retail sector must regain the support of our communities. I can only urge anyone who wants the North to prosper to support their hometown entrepreneurs.
And last but not by any means least, the planned cyclotron facility will see our growth in biomedical research grow even faster.
It is an honour to work along side the many dedicated individuals who care deeply about the future of the Northwest!