We wish to acknowledge the 215 children whose remains were recently discovered at the previous site of Kamloops Residential School. We mourn and honour the loss of life and encourage the exploration of resources for further education regarding the history of the residential school system and reconciliation. 

 When the vaccine rollout began in Ontario, this brought up the age-old issue of accessibility in Northern Ontario. This was especially concerning for remote Far North communities with limited transportation options such as a winter road or air. However, as Operation Remote Immunity has shown, getting vaccines into the arms of FNMI is not impossible.

As communities continue to navigate the "new normal" in the post-COVID world, we reflect upon how this pandemic has impacted many aspects of our lives. Northern Ontario businesses and organizations continue to struggle to recover, and are faced with the reality that many daily activities may never return to pre-pandemic normalcy.  Available Statistics Canada data—both from existing and new surveys—can provide helpful insight into regional economic recovery. As our landmark survey, the census is one of the most important sources of data for Canadians and communities throughout the country.

A lot has changed since February 2020, when the first Come North – Population Growth Strategy Conference was launched. We face ever-changing demographic challenges in our communities. This creates a growing urgency to retain and fully embrace the existing populations. Strategies, priorities, and next steps must be refreshed and adapted regularly. Magnetic North is that opportunity to regroup and refocus. 

Every summer, Northern Policy Institute makes available up to ten four-month placements across Northern Ontario. Usually housed with a partner organization in one of Ontario’s Central, Western or Northern Regions, the placements learn first-hand about the cut and thrust of public policy debate, building human capital and experience in the North.