Labour remains one of the biggest issues the Minister Responsible for FedNor is hearing.
Patty Hajdu says it relates to not having enough people living in the north.
Immigration is one means of adding to our labour force.
The federal government introduced a pilot project two years ago in eleven communities, including Thunder Bay.
Addressing business leaders in Thunder Bay on Tuesday, Hajdu says the program has been a huge hit.
She supports its expansion to other communities but notes there is a role for everyone to play to ensure newcomers they attract stay.
“I hear so many times from small communities that they would like to be part of the northern and rural immigration strategy. But in order to continue to demonstrate its success, we also have to demonstrate that we’re able to retain people in our region. That means making people feel welcome,” says Hajdu .
Hajdu also sees an untapped asset that is not being fully realized in northern Ontario.
“Canada’s Indigenous people have long been left out of economic opportunities. But things are changing. More and more Indigenous communities are growing local and regional economic development and regaining control over things like education, child and Family Services and regional affairs. That’s what makes healthy communities,” says Hajdu .
Hajdu notes Canada’s population is growing because of the Indigenous population.
She says part of her work as the federal Minister of Indigenous Service is to support First Nations, Inuit and native communities and leaders with their economic development projects.
On the issue of inflation, Hajdu says the government has to stay focused on measures implemented to help Canadians get through the economic pressures, but be thoughtful that those measures don’t exaggerate inflation further.
Hajdu says the economy is on fire, but the challenge is making sure everyone has a fair chance to take part.
