January 07 2008 ~ Thunder Bay There are several initiatives in Thunder Bay which are clear demonstrations that efforts already undergoing are going to make a difference in our community.
There are several groups which have been doing the needed research to make a difference toward those efforts in our region.
One of those is the North of Superior Training Board (NSTB). This group works to bring together leaders from across the region, from government, labour and business to work toward solutions. "The North Superior Training Board (NSTB) is one of twenty-one Local Training Boards across Ontario. An active and broadly based volunteer Board of Directors governs its affairs. First established in 1996, NSTB is recognized by community, economic and municipal leaders as a “partner of choice” in the identification and implementation of local solutions to local labour market issues.
"NSTB plays an important niche role in facilitating local planning, creating and leveraging partnerships, and providing timely intelligence and leadership to help address both current and emerging labour market issues. Although NSTB offices are located in Thunder Bay, extensive outreach strategies and travel by staff, directors and committee members ensures that regional voices are sought and heard.
The latest Trends, Opportunities and Priorities (TOP) Report from the NOSTB outlines "is a labour market report and action plan that outlines local solutions to local issues. The report provides an overview of the major socio-economic and demographic influences impacting the NSTB area. Further it examines the structural economic shifts and significant changes that are driving a re-engineering of the areas’ economic landscape. This report details an extensive and
interactive community consultation process that results in an action plan to address labour market issues and priorities".
The NSTB puts statistical and analytical muscle behind some of the perceptions and changes that many in our region and in Thunder Bay have noticed.
One example is the shifting population figures in Thunder Bay stemming from last year's census. "Positive growth was recorded in the City of Thunder Bay at a marginal rate of 0.1% in 2006. This isbelow the decline of -4.1% in 2001.
"Some contend that the relative stabilization and/or growth in a few communities is in majority, attributable to two factors:
a) Increasing migration of Aboriginal peoples to Thunder Bay from other rural/remote communities.
b) Recognition that Aboriginal communities are the youngest and fastest growing (5.9% in 2001 to 15.5% in 2006)3 communities in the north. It is noted that the Aboriginal population in the City of Thunder Bay aged 25 and under was almost one-half of the total Aboriginal population," according to the TOP report.
One of the issues raised in the report is the impact of youth outmigration in the region. "Youth out-migration is not a new issue in Northwestern Ontario, but there is a growing need to explore youth engagement strategies to help young people stay in the north. Challenges in gaining entry into well-paying
permanent jobs and limited access to education and training in rural communities, serve to force our youth to explore opportunities in other parts of Ontario and elsewhere.
From 1996 to 2001 the rate of youth out-migration from the NSTB area was 14.1%. The largest declines in the numbers of youth occurred in the unorganized areas of the District of Thunder Bay and in the smaller resource dependent communities along the north shore.10 The most significant change occurring during the 2001 to 2006 period, was a decline of out-migration from the City of Thunder Bay, to 5% from 12.4%; while the high rates of youth out-migration along the North Shore resource-dependent communities increased even further.11 The reduction in the youth out-migration rate in Thunder Bay has been attributed to the in-migration of Aboriginal youth".
The Training Board also points out some of the postive efforts ongoing toward making a positive difference.
'Over the past year the Northern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) in partnership with several stakeholders has crafted a “Common Voice” strategy. It recognizes the inter-relationship and inter-dependency of re-building a strong and vibrant Northern Ontario based on sound economic, employment, educational, social, cultural and innovative ideas to move us forward.
"Lead by municipal leaders, NSTB is one of a core group of subject matter experts. Over the next year, the work of NSTB (including specific actions as outlined in this 2008 TOP report) will continue to support and advance the objectives of economic and employment transition and diversification.
"The provincial government has launched its “Growth Plan for Northern Ontario” in May 2007, a plan which weaves together a range of provincial initiatives in the North and in Ontario’s mineral sector to drive job creation, economic growth and competitiveness, and the participation of northerners in charting their own future.
"Dr. Bob Rosehart was appointed as the Northwestern Ontario Economic Facilitator, to work with local people and businesses to help inspire a new generation of growth in the Northwest".
Another major change in Thunder Bay will be seen with the opening of the new senior centre that St Joseph's Group will operate. Currently, "with a staff of approximately 1,700 and an annual operating budget of $115 million, St. Joseph’s Care Group is a significant economic driver for Thunder Bay and region. A new center for outpatient mental health services has been approved, 100 staff will be working out of a new location and more than 850 outpatient clients will be receiving services".
In Thunder Bay, there have been a great deal of effort invested in bringing call centres to our city. The call centre, as stated by Steve Demmings the CEO of the Community Economic Development Corporation is the base of the knowledge-based-economy.
Work is ongoing to make our city a success story in the knowledge-based area. Our community is already moving to become a world-leader in DNA research, and has already gained recognition for the good work being done in Thunder Bay.
To read the full report clink here
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