Northern and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Eric Robinson has announced the Manitoba government is planning a series of consultations to create a comprehensive and inclusive strategy for economic development in the north.  Mayors, regional Chiefs, Metis and Northern Association of Community Council members as well as other northern leaders and residents will be consulted on how development should occur in the region, focusing on economic diversity, sustainability, alignment with indigenous and northern community values and reducing economic disparity.

A series of regional and community forums will be scheduled over the next several months and there will be an opportunity for providing comments through a web survey as well as email.  Gordon Wakeling former CEO of the Communities Economic Development Fund and long time northern resident will facilitate the process and will submit a report by the end of the year.