Growth Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen announced yesterday that the Manitoba Government is taking an important step to advance northern economic development and position the region for long term success.

 

Pedersen says that in order to build a sustainable future in the region northern economic development must be led by northerners since people in the north best understand their own needs.

 

To fulfill these goals the province is appointing new members to the board of directors of the Communities’ Economic Development Fund.

 

Jamie Wilson of OCN who is vice president of corporate development for the Arctic Gateway Group was appointed as chairperson of the board and Doug Lauvstad the president and chancellor of the University College of the North was also appointed as a board member.

 

The Communities economic development fund has been identified as Manitoba’s regional economic development partner for the north to coordinate the delivery of services for companies, entrepreneurs, and communities.