The Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce held its 65th-annual spring meeting in Rainy River last weekend, with about 35 delegates on hand.
Indian Affairs and Northern Development minister Robert Nault, in his capacity as regional minister, also was on hand Saturday to participate in NOACC’s “vision planning session.”
Nault congratulated NOACC for truly being “the active voice of business,” noting their efforts contributed significantly to the successful reintroduction of the infrastructure program in the federal budget.
During the workshops, Nault offered suggestions to delegates on how to continue being an effective business advocacy organization.
Nault also said efforts to meet with the Liberal northern caucus have proven successful. NOACC wants to meet with the caucus to discuss issues which affect business in the north.
These meetings are slated for October in the northwest region.
And Nault expressed his wish to see efforts by northern business and First Nations people continue.
“We need to work together in order to ensure the economic growth of Northwestern Ontario,” he stressed.
Earlier Saturday, NOACC members reaffirmed its role as a lobby group but identified a weakness in its effectiveness.
As such, it was decided that by forming partnerships with other key lobby groups, such as the Northern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA), the Northern Ontario Tourism Organization (NOTO), and the Northern Ontario Development Network (NODN), they could work towards common goals–at least in areas of duplication.
Another need identified was that of a full-time employee to help co-ordinate both lobby and day-to-day efforts of NOACC. One suggestion was to look at hiring a full-time lobbyist.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
