While times can be tough, Becky Cianflone said a recent economic conference gave her “a great sense of optimism for the future of northern Manitoba.”
The Linkages in Northern Economic Development Conference was a two-day collaboration in which members of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, education, industry and government engaged in discussions relating to northern economic development strategies. Economic practitioners, service providers, municipalities, and friendship centres also participated.
Cianflone, executive director at Community Futures Greenstone, is involved with three organizations that put on the conference: the University College of the North, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, and the provincial government organized Look North Task Force.
“Flin Flon, in particular had a great contingent out,” at the conference, which was attended by 250 people, said Cianflone. “It was packed, sold out.”
Community Futures Greenstone is a federal government initiative with the objective of helping rural Canadians start or expand businesses, “and to help sustain and improve communities and their local economies,” says the organization’s website.
Cianflone said the conference led to relationship building among “key players for northern Manitoba,” which was “important moving forward.”
A conference highlight was a talk by Murad Al-Katib, CEO of AGT Foods, a pulse and staple foods supplier.
AGT Foods is a part-owner of Arctic Gateway Group, which is building a natural resources gateway through the Arctic to the world. Arctic Gateway Group owns the Hudson Bay Railway, which runs north to Churchill.
“I think that his talk really invigorated the crowd.” Cianflone said.
“He was very inspiring and has such a vision for the north. There’s lots of opportunities. He used the word ‘billions’ 18 times in his speech. That’s significant.”
Cianflone said she set up several meetings with people she met at Linkages. In describing the economic situation of many communities of northern Manitoba, Cianflone said they have “historically relied on major industries and single industries in the communities.”
Some industries with potential challenges cause uncertainty that filters down into the rest of the community, Cianflone said. Uncertainty can concern those looking to start businesses if there’s “a perception that the community is not doing well, or not growing, or in decline.”
Cianflone said northern Manitoba has potential nonetheless.
“I encourage people to stay positive and to know that there are people throughout the North who are working really hard to make things happen, and ensure that there’s a thriving future for our communities,” Cianflone said.
— with files from Eric Westhaver
