In an attempt to stem the flow of young people leaving the North, a provincially appointed body is being tasked to come up with some innovative solutions to stimulate regional economic growth. Ontario Municipal Affairs Minister Chris Hodgson chose the 14-member panel as part of his government's Smart Growth initiative. The Smart Growth panel is one of five think-tanks being created in various regions of the province. The northeast panel is headed up by Ontario Northland Transportation Commission chairman Royal Poulin, along with interim Cambrian College president Ivan Filion, Sudbury Mayor Jim Gordon and James Wallace, president of Pioneer Construction. Hodgson wants the group to devise some kind of strategic framework, possibly involving tax policies and infrastructure improvements, to present to northerners by the fall.
.jpeg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
