Industry Minister Hears Northern Concerns
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes
NORTHERN ONTARIO NDP MP’S MEET WITH CLEMENT TO DISCUSS FEDNOR
Ottawa, ON – A meeting held with Industry Minister Tony Clement to discuss on-going issues related to FedNor was constructive and frank, say Northern Ontario New Democrat MPs.
New Democrat MPs, Tony Martin (Sault Ste. Marie), Glenn Thibeault (Sudbury), Carol Hughes (Algoma- Manitoulin-Kapuskasing), and John Rafferty (Thunder Bay-Rainy River) held a roundtable with Clement, the minister responsible for FedNor on September 1, at FedNor offices in Sudbury. New Democrat FedNor Critic, Claude Gravelle, away on a short family holiday, was consulted prior to the meeting and briefed shortly afterwards.
Yesterday’s roundtable was in response to a letter sent by the Northern Ontario NDP Caucus to incoming FedNor Director General, Aime Dimatteo, congratulating him on his appointment and requesting a meeting at the earliest opportunity.
The Northern Ontario New Democrat MPs shared their concerns over issues related to process, communications, red tape, and timeliness of decision-making at FedNor. In particular, concerns were expressed about turnaround time on funding applications from small rural communities.
The New Democrat MPs were satisfied with Minister Clement’s assurances he would address these concerns. They look forward to an on-going dialogue with the FedNor Minister.
