Ontario Natural Resources Forum

Toronto, ON

Thank you for making the 2nd Annual Ontario Natural Resources Forum a success! ​

This unique conference brought together individuals from industry, academic institutions, communities and all levels of government to collaborate and explore ways to develop our resource sector, grow our economy and provide benefits to communities. We were honoured to welcome Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario; Parliamentary Secretary Kim Rudd; and Craig Alexander among many other prominent speakers.

Here are the 2017 Welcome Messages from out Honourary Co-Chairs:

Chief Isadore Day, Ontario Regional Chief

I am proud to once again co-chair the Ontario Natural Resources Forum, an event that provides the unique opportunity to discuss the importance of the resource sector to First Nations and all Ontarians.  The Forum provides an occasion to discuss the challenges and, more importantly, the opportunities for Ontario’s energy and resource-based economy.  By working together to invest in our natural resources and grow our economy we can build healthy, prosperous communities.  First Nations are fully prepared to work with the business sector and all levels of government to explore partnerships and be active participants in the natural resource economy.  The Forum brings together the people who are proponents of and can be potential partners in major energy and resource developments.  By working together, First Nations, Governments, and the business and the resource sectors can build and support a strong, prosperous Canada for all.  I invite you to join us and look forward to your engagement and participation.

Hon. Bill Mauro, Minister of Northern Development and Mines

I look forward to joining all of our participants at this year’s Natural Resources Forum, during what will certainly be another productive year.

Ontario is one of the most attractive jurisdictions for mineral investment and we are committed to working with all our partners to continue to advance economic growth and job creation.

This Forum brings together representatives from First Nations and Métis communities, municipalities, industry and local businesses to look at emerging opportunities linked to our natural resources. It is a good reminder that Ontario’s mines and minerals sector is stronger when we work together.

Ontario became an international leader in the mining sector through innovation.  Gatherings such as this one allow leaders from across the sector and from communities across the province to come together and find ways to take advantage of our strengths and tackle challenges head on.  Let’s continue our work to find solutions that will advance economic growth and prosperity in our provinces natural resource sector.

Hon. Kathryn McGarry, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

I would like to congratulate the organizers on the second annual Ontario Natural Resources Forum. Conferences such as these are incredibly important, bringing key resource industry players and Indigenous communities together in one room. I am honoured to co-chair this forum with Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day and look forward to participating alongside the many distinguished guest speakers and panelists in the program.

I’m always delighted to have the opportunity to speak about Ontario’s natural resources, in particular forestry. Ontario’s forestry sector impacts over 260 communities across Ontario, and our industry produces everything from lumber for construction, fibre for paper, tissues and diapers, environmentally friendly chips for biomass electrical operations and even medicines. Ontario is globally recognized for our sustainable forest management practices, ones that ensure the long-term health of our forests while supporting economic opportunities for present and future generations.

I look forward to participating during the forum and sharing ideas with you on igniting growth in our natural resources industries.

Visit the Ontario Natural Resource Forum on Twitter