Northern Growth Plan

The McGuinty government has taken the wraps off a plan to stimulate Ontario's Northern economy.

The 25-year strategy calls for strengthening the mining industry, creating regional economic zones as well as setting up partnerships between colleges and universities and businesses to train northerners for careers in growing fields.

Improving health-care for aboriginal communities, promoting green technologies and creating an inter-regional transportation network are also included in the proposal.

The next step is consultations, with the final plan expected at a later date.