More than 300 companies associated with the mining sector — ranging from product and service providers to job training, hiring and recruitment — are at the Central Canada Expo (Cen Can) at Fort William Gardens this week.

Glenn Dredhart is president of Canadian Trade-Ex, which hosts the event. He explained how it has evolved in Northwestern Ontario.

“We had our first Cen Can Expo at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Grounds, starting with 200 exhibitors and displays and we ran out of space. We decided to come here to Fort William Gardens (last year) and we’re up to 300 displays two years later,” Dredhart said.

Dredhart says the expo generates revenue with motel accommodations, car rentals, restaurants and shopping.

“I don’t think you can get a room here in Thunder Bay right now,” he poin

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