Speaking to government with one voice on "critical" regional development issues was the goal of the annual meeting of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) in Kenora.
The three-day conference in late September touched on issues in forestry, mining, transportation infrastructure, immigration, apprenticeship training and ensure greater representation in influencing government policy.
"It is very important to ensure that Northwestern Ontario's voice is heard in various government ministries where policy and planning decisions are made," says NOACC president Barry Strieb in a statement.
NOACC is again urging the Ontario government to ensure the new Endangered Species Act does not replace the forest management planning process. They also want a "national summit" on the future of Canadian forestry, industry tax incentives and a five-year extension of the accelerated capital cost allowance treatment for new manufacturing investments.
Taking in the proceeding was Ontario Progressive Conservative leader John Tory.
Next year's NOACC annual meeting is in Fort Frances.
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