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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday March 21, 2007 - 33 Business Oakville Beaver · WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2007 Minister sees golden opportunities for northern development investors By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 845-3824. The great white north's great white north can no longer be ignored. This was the sentiment laid out by Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, at a luncheon held by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce on Thursday. In front of a crowd of more than 100 people the minister outlined some of the initiatives the government is taking to bring development and prosperity to the land north of the 60th parallel, which for so long has suffered from neglect. "It's a marvelous place and an exciting part of Canada that maybe not enough people get to see," said Prentice. "In the north we are poised for a new era. An era of rapid growth and improving economic conditions." Unlocking economic opportunities by harnessing the natural resources of the north is one way Prentice believes better living conditions can be brought to those who live there. "We will work to develop our natural resources in northern Canada in a manner that creates jobs for northerners, aboriginal people and non-aboriginal people alike." Prentice pointed to the development of diamond mines in the north as one such endeavor explaining that these mines have turned Canada from a nation that five years ago produced no diamonds into the third largest producer of diamonds in the world, with more still being found. "This past summer the Prime Minister and I attended the opening of Jericho Mine, Nunavut's first diamond mine," said Prentice. Other major projects planned for the north include the Mackenzie Valley and Alaska Highway Pipelines project, which involves the construction of pipelines that will bring northern Canada's natural gas reserves to markets throughout North America. "These are two of the largest pipeline projects in Canadian history and in fact the Alaska Highway project is the largest construction undertaking in the history of mankind," said Prentice. In a clear pitch to get the Oakville business community to invest in northern development, Prentice explained how many of the investments that help fund these projects come from people just like them. "A lot of the capital investment that you see happening in the regions of this country involve capital investment right here in Ontario," he said. The development of natural resources is not the only thing that is putting the north on the map, says Prentice. With global warming front and centre in the minds of the international community, the Canadian north has become an important focus for scientific research. "The eyes of the world between the Atlantic and today are now focused on the Pacific Oceans by sailing north like never before. Two around northern Canada. weeks ago we launched "There was a time when what's called International the Northwest Passage was Polar Year," said Prentice, open only fleetingly and now noting the international it's open for a much more research initiative that seeks extended period," said a greater understanding of Prentice. the world's polar regions. The United States, the "Canada today is not only European Union and Japan the largest participant in the do not recognize Canada's scientific research that is tak- Jim Prentice, Minister of 1986 claim to sovereignty ing place, but Canada is exert- Indian Affairs and over the waters around the ing leadership in polar affairs Northern Development Arctic Archipelago, in fact the like we have never done United States considers them before. We'll be investing $150 million over international waters. Denmark has also the next two years in scientific research entered the sovereignty dispute by laying and we have more than 60 countries par- claim to an island off the coast of ticipating in projects in the Canadian Greenland that the Canadian government north." claims as native soil. With so much promise showing itself in Prentice says the solutions to these disthe north, asserting Canada's claim to all of putes will come from a number of sources. it was another point Prentice emphasized "Part of asserting our sovereignty in the was important to this government. north involves working with the people "The Prime Minister has made it very who are there, the Nunavut government, clear that the Arctic Archipelago is having the Canadian Forces present in the Canadian territory, that includes the north, taking care of problems that we islands and the water between the islands." have there, contaminated sites and really Global warming is creating a new ship- being proper stewards of that part of ping route that is allowing ships to move Canada." Payment The Canada Revenue Age across the country ensure simple and convenient pro clients. More and more pe simplify their everyday tas Making electronic payme safe as paying any of you comfort and convenience computer or telephone. How does it work? If your bill payment service and you can pay the CRA an date a payment. Contact y types of business paymen register for the ones you w Visit www.cra.gc.ca or con answers to all your electro - News Canada Fraud Prevention Month Time to clear your clutter Canadians often resolve to clear clutter as the snow melts and spring approaches. But, as you clean, remember that garbage cans, recycling bins and dumpsters are not safe places for personal information. In fact, they can be gold mines for thieves looking to steal your most valuable possession ­ your identity. Identity theft can ruin an individual's credit rating. Thieves steal something with an individual's personal information, such as a Social Insurance Number, bank account or credit card numbers, bills, statements or medical records. They find the information by stealing wallets, mail, even receipts from retailers, and they use that information to sign up for new credit cards, open bank accounts, secure loans or government benefits. The problem is not only a concern for consumers -- businesses are also at risk. Theft of employee, customer or confidential information about the company can ruin a company's reputation and its financial health. To avoid becoming a victim it is important to shred all documents containing names, Social Insurance Numbers, credit card numbers, driver's license numbers or any other personally identifiable information. Don't have access to a shredder? On March 31, 2007 look for a Shred-it Community Shred event in your community. The Competition Bureau and Shred-it are teaming up during Fraud Prevention Month to help consumers combat identity theft by offering free personal shredding in cities across Canada. Visit www.shredit.com for more information. - News Canada AngelaJones Angela Jones has lived in the Halton community for 20 years, and is proud to join the Aon team in Oakville. As a licensed personal insurance broker, Angela represents you and your interests, not those of an insurance company. She makes it a priority to understand what's important to you, and has been serving the diverse needs of her clients for 15 years. Angela's expertise extends to residences, all types of vehicles, jewellery and many other unique items. Angela can be contacted at Aon's new location in Oakville where she will provide a complete review of your personal insurance needs at no cost. Angela Jones Aon Private Client Services 2010 Winston Park Drive. Suite 200, Oakville. Ontario L6H 5R7 Direct Line: 905.287.4805 · Fax: 905.287.4810 angela.jones@aon.ca www.aon.ca Peace of Mind ... ... the most Valuable Service we Provide Anton Tucker CFP, FMA, FCSI 905.901.3429 anton@tridelta.ca www.tridelta.ca OAKVILLE NORTH YORK MISSISSAUGA THORNHILL Tim Trian, CFA - Portfolio Manager Laura Trian, C.A., CFP CIM - Investment Advisor , 200-2908 South Sheridan Way, Oakville Tel: 905-829-0600 Visit us at http://teamtrian.dundeewealth.com