Dear Editor,
It’s nice to know that the idea of a road between Lynn Lake and Flin Flon has the endorsement of at least one Manitoba MLA (“MLA backs road link with Lynn Lake, Pukatawagan,” The Reminder, Sept. 11).
However, not only would a ground transportation link be beneficial to Mathias Colomb First Nation at Pukatawagan and the Town of Lynn Lake, it would also be beneficial to The Pas, Flin Flon, Brochet, Lac Brochet and Tadoule Lake, as it would shorten the distance of their road freight (and subsequent costs), allowing them the ability to source goods from additional, and closer, markets.
Further, this would be a boon to the northwestern Manitoba tourism and mining sectors, as improved access infrastructure to the region must be in place for economic development to occur logistically.
Northern development can occur below the 60th parallel if the political will exists to make it happen.
If Canada and Manitoba wish to improve their relationship with First Nations, they will need to ensure that these communities have the ability to cost-effectively travel between themselves and the rest of the country.
James Lindsay
Mayor, Lynn Lake
