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Diane Ablonczy (left) speaks with Nunavut MLA Patterk Netser after the Northern Development Ministers' Forum in Yellowknife last week. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador told Northerners last week they need to be cautious when dealing with the federal government

John Hickey, minister of Labrador Affairs, said the federal government has not followed through on commitments to Newfoundland and Labrador and they need to address the infrastructure deficit that plagues the North where airports, seaports and roads face much needed upgrades and repairs.

"It's the resources of the North that are fuelling the economies of the south," Hickey said at the conclusion of the Northern Development Ministers' Forum in Yellowknife last Thursday.

"If the southern economies are to continue to prosper, it is my view that Northern communities, aboriginal communities, aboriginal people must gain the benefit from the natural resources. A lot more work has to be done."

The two-day forum focused on the tourism potential of the North, giving territories and provinces the opportunity to look at ways to advance the diverse interests of the North through support and growth of the tourism industry.

Diane Ablonczy, secretary of state for Small Business and Tourism and the federal representative at the conference, recognized the vital role tourism plays in the economic development of the North.

She said the $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure fund will play a crucial role in helping the Northern tourism industry prosper.

"We're going to see some results and I think it'll make a big difference for tourism and economic development in our provinces and territories," she said.

Bob McLeod, minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, said the forum's final report will serve as a reference for ministers to further develop their tourism interests.

"The North has a lot of attractions," said McLeod. "We learned from other successes in other provinces and the view is that by working together at all different levels we can work to develop the products and turn the potential of our tourism into reality.

"Here in the North we've always said that tourism is a vast potential."