FONOM in Ottawa to talk nation-building priorities
Northern municipal officials are meeting with federal ministers to advance nation-building priorities.
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) are in Ottawa for the sessions.
“Northern Ontario powers Canada’s economy through its highways, forests, mines, energy corridors, and workforce,” states a joint release. “But gaps in transportation, labour supply, community safety, and resource development threaten the region’s ability to contribute to Canada’s long-term prosperity.”
FONOM and NOMA say they’re looking for the feds to designate Highways 11 & 17 as nationally significant and for improvements to blend four-laning with 2+1 designs.
Other key priorities include labour and immigration, bail reform and community safety, natural resources & economic growth, and more.
Among other things, the northern groups are calling for a permanent, fully funded Rural Community Immigration Pilot, a unified One Project, One Process permitting model, and annual federal–provincial–municipal summits on Northern development.
FONOM and NOMA are also expressing concern after a thousand layoffs were announced by Algoma Steel.
“FONOM stands firmly with the people of Sault Ste. Marie as they navigate the impacts of this decision,” says Dave Plourde, FONOM President. “We will continue to advocate for a strong, stable steel sector and for the return of these jobs as quickly as possible.”
They’re calling on both the provincial and federal governments to work with industry and labour partners to address
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/
Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
