New directions for economic development

The Sault has been economically challenged. A recent study by the Sault Ste. Marie Community Adjustment Committee (CAC) recommends a move away from primary and secondary industrial development in support of new areas of economic development. The areas identified by the CAC report are: economic growth and diversity, social equity, cultural vitality, and environmental sustainability. Primary and secondary industry is very prone to steep economic fluctuations, and the CAC report clearly states that dependence on a single industry has created long-term challenges for the Sault. We know too that when economic challenges occur, falling back on our comfort zone only makes the situation worse. In these cases, costly handouts and resources are given to attract economic development at the expense of the very areas recommended for future economic development by the CAC. We have seen what these handouts to the few have produced, with crisis responses, including the CAC report, resulting from handouts to our single largest employer. This is unacceptable. It is unfair, environmentally detrimental and economically unsupportable. These actions have wasted valuable resources that could have better been applied diversifying the local economy.

Sault Ste. Marie can and must do better if it is to survive and prosper. The proposed ferrochrome smelter being courted by a few Sault Ste. Marie interests in no way reflect the wishes of the population, or the advice of the majority. The once again inflated job opportunities tied to no metrics of accountability or transparency mask a social, economic and environmental injustice to Sault Ste. Marie and its citizens. The economically devastated brownfields around Sault Ste. Marie have already cost the city countless economic development opportunities. The pale of pollution hanging in the air drives business, tourists and residents, those able to leave, away. The unsightly blight on the horizon leaves residents and visitors with a sad impression of economic leadership in this town. Sault Ste. Marie does not need any more of this. Sault Ste. Marie needs new paths of economic development.