Venturing Northward in search of a piece of the Canadian prize

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Whether you live on the West, Eastern Coast, or Central Canada there is a movement towards those regions that are offering well-paid employment, reasonably priced homes and a living standard we can all appreciate.

Northern Ontario and British Columbia are booming economically, and the reason for this growth is not centred entirely upon the harvesting of natural resources as previous patterns suggest, but upon multi-purposed industries.

Ontario is moving towards a housing building boom, encouraged by the Ford Administration who has cut red tape and regulatory limitations, allowing the needed construction of thousands of multi sector houses. The Ring of Fire has increased the demand for many different professions and special demand employees. The workforce is increasing and so is the demand for the region’s services both public and private.

This means: more schools, housing, retail establishments and medical facilities.

Northern Ontario will be a magnet drawing upon those both skilled and prepared for training in the: mining, energy, forestry, electronics, teaching and other fields. Schools of higher learning, both Colleges and Universities have expanded their industry driven and science programs to facilitate the training of needed professionals in the region.

There is talk in Queens Park about opening and expanding the rail routes northward, so that easy access for the population, product and industrial needs will be offered to the region. Talk of hospital/medical expansions in the near future, both private and public have been heard regarding the vast regional needs of the North.

Connections are being made between Eastern Canada and Quebec; their industries’ needs fulfilled with Eastern Canada’s natural resource base. Alberta’s past economic forecast was dismal, yet the province has nowhere to go but upward. The energy sector is once again rising to the nation’s expectations and needs, exploring and drilling increasing province wide. A new mind set within the energy sector, one based in a process of greening the industry, is attracting investment and possibly changing the world’s attitudes towards Alberta’s black gold.

British Columbia continues to attract foreign investment from Asian and EU sources. Housing starts continue to grow while industrial building starts have increased surprisingly well. Talk of the establishment of Senior Home Centres in mid-northern B.C, with private investment in the study of: dementia, Parkinson’s and mental health concerns. Canada’s aging population has and will continue to place huge pressures upon the nation’s economies, and yet presents great public and private opportunities in the study and fulfilment of senior living needs now and in the near future.

All routes are leading our youth northward towards opportunities in: employment, entrepreneur possibilities, affordable housing and the establishment of a sound future. The great cities of the south must release these explorers and allow them to venture northward in search of their piece of the Canadian prize.