partnership to identify it economic opportunities

(august 11, 2005 - thunder bay, ontario) representatives from three levels of government as well as the public and private sectors of northwestern ontario have come together to study current information and communications technology challenges and opportunities.

the study, which is the first of its kind involving all levels of government and the public and private sectors, is being carried out because the partners believe that sharing human and capital resources will greatly improve the individual and collective ability to advance technology solutions in this region.

the study will examine partnership opportunities that will benefit local residents and businesses while expanding the quality and availability of broader public services, and stimulating economic diversity and growth.

this initiative is expected to improve service delivery in northwestern ontario. it will allow the over-extended operations of the partners to share resources and expand capabilities to meet current and future needs.

an increase in ict infrastructure and capabilities is expected to create new jobs and stimulate economic development through increased opportunities particularly in the areas of research, education, and medical services. in addition to providing new opportunities for knowledge-based workers with leading-edge skills, existing ict jobs will be enriched by increasing the scope of services being provided and creating new ict employment opportunities.

among the local partners are the city of thunder bay, 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 , confederation college, northern ontario school of medicine, lakehead public school board, lakehead catholic school board, thunder bay regional health sciences centre, thunder bay airport, and st. joseph's care group. the initiative has the full support of the federal and provincial governments.

dr. frederick gilbert, president, 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 , says: "collaboration has historically taken place among various sectors in the northwestern region, but a partnership of this magnitude in communications technology may be the catalyst our region needs to accelerate the transformation of our economy."

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dr. frederick gilbert, co-chair, steering committee - 807-343-8200

mr. robert petrie, chief administrative officer, city of thunder bay, 807-625-2224