This publication was produced by the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions, and Cities (CFE), led by Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, Director, in accordance with the programme of work of the Regional Development Policy Committee (RDPC).
The report was supported by the City of Greater Sudbury and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor). Particular appreciation is extended to the Mayor Paul Lefebvre, Meredith Amstrong and Scott Rennie from the City of Greater Sudbury, as well as Gilles Brunet, Stephen Maynard and Kiaya Lendt from FedNor for their consistent support of the project.
The report was developed in collaboration with an Advisory Study Group comprising individuals representing diverse regional perspectives. This group guided the OECD team during field interviews and advised on the report’s findings. The OECD expresses its deep gratitude for their time and commitment. In addition to members from the City of Greater Sudbury and FedNor, the Group included Jenny-Lou Campbell, Dawn Madahbee-Leach, and Saga Williams (First Nations representatives); Dajean Lacasse and Jean-Gilles Lemieux (Ontario Ministry of Northern Development); Krista Maydew (IAMGOLD Corporation); Gisele Roberts (Laurentian University); and Photinie Koutsavlis (Mining Association of Canada).
The OECD team responsible for the report includes Andres Sanabria, project co-ordinator, working under the guidance of Jose Enrique Garcilazo, Head of the Regional and Rural Policy Unit in the Regional Development and Multilevel Governance Division, led by Dorothée Allain-Dupré. The report was drafted by Bridget Donovan (Chapter 2 and 3), Tamara Krawchenko (University of Victoria) (Chapter 3), and Andres Sanabria (Chapter 3 and 4). The report benefitted from inputs from Sinead Teevan (OECD) and Jeff Geipel (Engineers Without Borders Canada). Darren Godwell (Indigenous Business Australia) acted as a peer-reviewer sharing his Indigenous perspective from Australia. It also received comments from other OECD colleagues including Varinia Michalun and Stephan Visser (CFE). Evangelina Thanasi co-ordinated the organisation of missions, and Jack Waters led the publication process.
The OECD extends its gratitude and respect to all representatives from First Nations governments and affiliated companies from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, Flying Post, Red Rock, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok, Mattagami, Long Lake 58, Temagami, Wanapitei, and White Fish River, as well as others who generously shared their time and insights.
The OECD also appreciates the invaluable contributions of numerous individuals and institutions who provided feedback during OECD missions. These include representatives from the municipal governments of Marathon, Timmins, Thunder Bay, Greenstone, and Sudbury; the Chambers of Commerce of Thunder Bay and Sudbury; mining companies such as Barrick, Clean Air Metals, Glencore, Green Technology Metals, IAMGOLD, Impala, KGHM, Rock Tech Lithium, Newmont, Sandvik, Tysson Mining, Vale, and Wyloo; education and research institutions such as Lakehead University, Laurentian University and Toronto University, Cambrian College, Confederation College, Collège Boréal and Northern College; MIRARCO, NACCA, NORCAT, and representatives from Natural Resources Canada, Mining Association of Canada, Ontario Mining Association, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and Indigenous Services Canada.
The findings and recommendations of the report regarding First Nations reflect the scope and research capacities of the process, drawing mainly on insights from members of the First Nations interviewed and those who provided feedback, along with relevant research literature. The report does not capture the experiences of all the Nations in the region (over 106) and does not intend to represent a unified voice for all First Nations in Northern Ontario.
The findings and recommendations of the report do not imply any endorsement or engagement by the individuals and institutions that were involved or provided feedback during its development.