Fedeli wants meetings with new ministers

Tuesday, June 24, 2014 by: BayToday.ca Staff

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is seeking to meet with several of the ministers appointed to Premier Kathleen Wynne’s new cabinet today to discuss local concerns.

A news release from Fedeli says he is writing to Minister of Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle in hopes of sitting down to talk about the proposed sale of Ontera, and the potential role for the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission in developing the Ring of Fire.

“The Ontera sale will cost Ontario taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, and the government needs to be clear about whether it intends to proceed with this transaction or not,” said Fedeli.

“The government also needs to bring Ontario Northland and its workers to the table to discuss opportunities for the ONTC in the Ring of Fire. I maintain the best way to ship ore is by rail.”

As well, Fedeli wants to meet with the new Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Ted McMeekin to ensure the province remains committed to pushing toward approval of six-storey wood-frame construction in Ontario.

“After twice introducing Private Members Bills on six-storey wood construction, the government took a step toward regulatory approval earlier this year,” said Fedeli.

“I want to ensure this is a priority for the new Minister. This change would be a boost for Northern Ontario’s forestry sector and a win-win situation for the entire province.”

Fedeli is also seeking to meet with Natural Resources and Forestry Minister Bill Mauro to discuss the state of the Lake Nipissing walleye fishery, Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca to talk about improving winter highway maintenance, and Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer to get an update on the Algonquin Land Claim negotiations.