THUNDER BAY -- Local companies can go west without ever leaving the city, industry experts say.
Oil in Alberta and a mining boom in Saskatchewan have lured people away from Thunder Bay in recent years. But through the supply side of those industries, companies in Northwestern Ontario have a major opportunity to take advantage of the growth while staying closer to home.
That was the focus of a seminar in Thunder Bay Wednesday called Targeting Alberta Oil Sands and Saskatchewan Mining Sectors.
Steve Matheson works on supply chain development for the Ministry of Economic Development.
He said Ontario has tremendous capacity for skills, engineering and expertise needed for western development.
Although some projects have been stalled and commodity prices are down, long-term development will keep growing.
In terms of dollars, Alberta could become Ontario’s third largest export partner.
“We believe that the longer term opportunity for Ontario suppliers is there,” he said. “The skills are here, there’s no need for us to be moving.”
Lester Cey’s job is to connect businesses to Saskatchewan’s mining industry. Along with potash, the province is sitting on gold, coal and uranium. The province is searching the world for new technology and skills to get it out of the ground.
“The labour pool is tapped big time in our province,” he said.
Ontario companies need to take advantage of those opportunities.
“Bring what you’ve got to the table and let the market decide whether you can play in our market,” Cey said.
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission’s John Mason said there are already companies supplying the west. But there’s no end in sight for the opportunities available.
Engineering, manufacturing or even helicopter companies can get on board.
“I think it’s wide open in terms of that appetite for that talent,” he said.
With more than a dozen proposed mines here at home, Mason and Matheson said they hope local companies still focus on Northwestern Ontario. But being able to supply Alberta and Saskatchewan means more options and business for local companies.
