THUNDER BAY - This year’s Northern Ontario Resources Expo is networking on the verge of a major project
Thirty-nine businesses from around the region - representing a number of industries including forestry, mining, and energy - are taking part in the two-day expo.
“The purpose is to bring together speakers, people interested in business opportunities… Particularly those related to the [Wataynikaneyap Power connection project]”” Brain Davey, executive director of the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund said.
In March, the federal government invested $1.6 billion into a project that will extend transmission lines to 16 First nation communities in Northwest Ontario. This year’s event places an emphasis on businesses involved and gives them an opportunity to share perspectives.
“Our strength is that we know our communities… we have people who are able to take on new opportunities, so those are the key aspects of what we are in Northern Ontario,” Davey said.
“We look at whether there are any opportunities the First Nation member or owners can take advantage of,” said Ed Hoshizaki, the principal of his own consulting firm.
“In a lot of cases, I don’t think people are aware of the businesses that are on the First Nations, and opportunities that are there for them.”
Hoshizaki says Wataynikaneyap Power - the company overseeing the project - has promoted businesses in the region to make sure the opportunities are present.
Robert Starr says the project will provide plenty of opportunity for the employees.
“It’s not just the project, it’s all transferable skills they can take and use for their career.”
Starr is the project administrator of SuperCom Industries, a company created to ensure economic opportunities and advantages for the East West Tie program, which will provide a transmission line between Thunder Bay and Wawa.
The business will provide training for 244 jobs including technicians, electricians, carpenters, line crews, and environmental monitors.
“It’s a wide variety of opportunities.”
Recruitment was targeted around the six First Nations along the power line.
“This day allows our employees to see other employment opportunities,” Starr said. “There’s opportunities throughout Northwestern Ontario they may not be aware of. We’re going to bridge the gap and help them out.”
