23.02.2026
Meeting press release of the the Board of the Regional Assembly
The Regional Government of Northern Ostrobothnia met on Monday 23 February in Oulu.
Updating the maritime spatial plan is progressing
The update of the maritime spatial plan was launched in all eight coastal provincial federations in early 2024. Changes in the marine operating environment, such as the renewal of EU regulations, ambitious national production targets set for marine energy production, and the emphasis on the importance of shipping and marine food production for security of supply, are the reasons behind the start of the update work.
The Regional Council of Southwest Finland is responsible for the joint coordination of maritime spatial planning. During the spring of 2026, a draft plan will be prepared, which will be submitted to the provincial governments of the coast for consideration and consultation. Based on the feedback, a maritime spatial plan will be drawn up, which will be approved by the provincial councils in 2027.
Tasks of the Head of Human Resources to the Administrative Director
The Provincial Government abolished the post of Head of Human Resources and amended the duty of the Administrative Director, Toni Saranpää, to include in the duties of the Administrative Director the duties of human resources management. When assessing the job description of the post and the need to fill it, it was noted that it is possible to transfer the duties of the Head of Human Resources to the job description of the Administrative Director and it is not necessary to fill the post.
In brief
- It was decided to launch the acquisition of the measure “Catching and overloading live Atlantic salmon and trout in Iijoki 2026”. The tendering is done in the HILMA system.
- The offer submitted by Korpilaavu Oy on 3 February 2026 to extend the control fences for the period 2026 was accepted. Additional work is ordered for 1 120 euros (VAT 0 %); The costs will be allocated to the Lohi Iijoki 2 project.
- The Ministry of Education and Culture has asked the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia to nominate a female and male candidate for the Arts and Culture Council for the period from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029. The nominees for the Northern Ostrobothnia Regional Council are M.A., author Minna Rytisalo from Kuusamo and MuM, programme director Samu Forsblom from Oulu.
- The meeting of the Provincial Government on 14 September 2026 will be postponed to Monday 21 September 2026.
- The Provincial Government held a referral discussion for the evaluation and target discussion of the Provincial Director.
Changes in personnel
- Jaana Korhonen was appointed as a full member of the regional cooperation group and Timo Lehtiniemi as his deputy, and Petri Keränen as a full member and Risto Leppänen as his deputy from the Northern Finland Vitality Centre.
- Päivi Polso, Chairman of STTK's Regional Committee for Northern Ostrobothnia, was appointed as a member of the regional cooperation group, and Janne Rönkkömäki, member of the Regional Committee for Northern Ostrobothnia, will continue as a deputy member.
The the Board of the Regional Assembly took note of:
- Official decisions for the period 14.1.-17.2.2026
- Statements made by the Office between 14 January and 17 February 2026
- The progress of the IT services transfer project, the current rail traffic review, advocacy measures, the chairmanship of the provinces of Eastern and Northern Finland in 2027 and personnel matters were recorded for information.
Agendas and minutes
Link the Agenda
the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region agendas and minutes
Additional information
Lauri Nikula, President of the Provincial Government, tel. +358 40 913 5722
Jussi Rämet, Regional Director, tel. +358 40 586 3877
