Contact North studies its impact on region's economy

News Release
Contact North

Contact North | Contact Nord, the world’s largest distance education and training network, today released a study of its impact on Northern Ontario’s economy.
The study, conducted by Dr. Livio Di Matteo, Professor of Economics at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, revealed that Contact North | Contact Nord generates between $9.7 to $16.1 million of economic activity in Northern Ontario. This impact is spread across 94 small and remote communities in Northern Ontario where Contact North | Contact Nord maintains centres and hires local staff.
Contact North | Contact Nord also supports job creation throughout Northern Ontario with an estimated total employment of 146 to 243 full-time jobs.
In addition to the economic expenditure and employment impacts, the study notes there is the socio-economic impact that Contact North | Contact Nord make to the regional labour force by helping Northern Ontario’s colleges and universities provide access to education and training to residents in small and remote communities. This contribution boosts economic performance, supports long-term growth potential and generates additional tuition revenues and registrations for post-secondary institutions in Northern Ontario.
The estimates are based on Contact North | Contact Nord’s 2008 – 2009 operating, capital and project expenditures.
“This study confirms the tangible contribution Contact North | Contact Nord has been making to economic growth and prosperity in Northern Ontario” notes Douglas L. A. Smith, Chair, Board of Directors, Contact North | Contact Nord. “In close partnership with Northern Ontario’s colleges and universities, we are making a real difference in providing equitable access to education and training, and in helping develop a highly skilled workforce.”
“Beyond the numbers which are indeed impressive, Contact North | Contact Nord is, for thousands of residents in Northern Ontario, the only option to access education and training without having to leave their communities,” stated Maxim Jean-Louis, President – Chief Executive Officer, Contact North | Contact Nord. “Dr. Di Matteo’s research and analysis confirms not only the significant value we bring to thousands of residents but also to the North’s economy.”
A complete copy of the estimate of Contact North | Contact Nord’s Economic Impact on Northern Ontario’s Economy can be found at www.contactnorth.ca/impact.