FONOM

By Angela Gemmill

Representatives from across Northern Ontario are making sure provincial partners are aware of what’s been happening across our region.

Hundreds of delegates from 110 towns and cities across the North, are in Sudbury for the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) conference over the next few days.

Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger says with provincial Ministers in town tomorrow, it provides a chance to present issues and challenges with one voice.

Bigger welcomed delegates during his opening speech Wednesday, and hopes the conference will provide an opportunity for all to work together to build Northern Ontario’s future.

Issues he plans to bring up with the Ministers include transportation, infrastructure, social housing and the environment.

Many of the community delegates are new to FONOM since municipalities elected new representatives last fall.

Among the provincial M-P-Ps at Friday’s forum are: Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ted McMeekin; Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle; Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer; Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Bill Mauro; Minister of Government and Consumer Services David Orazietti.

The conference’s host M-P-P Glenn Thibeault will answer questions related to the Environment since he is the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.