Time and time again Lefebvre speaks of the Feds committment to the ROF....

http://www.thesudburystar.com/2016/04/06/sudbury-areas-mps-to-work-together

MPs Paul Lefebvre and Marc Serre were the keynote speakers at the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce president's series luncheon at Enoteca Natura in Sudbury, Ont. on Tuesday April 5, 2016. Gino Donato/Sudbury Star/Postmedia Network

Keenan Kusan, For The Sudbury Star

Innovation and infrastructure spending are keys to rebuilding Canada's - and Sudbury's - economy, the region's two Liberals MPs said Tuesday.

Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre and Nickel Belt MP Marc Serre made the comments while speaking at an event presented by Laurentian University and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.

Not surprisingly, the rookie MPs extolled the virtues of the new Liberal government in Ottawa and its first budget, released last month.

"The budget has taken many steps forward in improving the lives of many Canadians and Sudburians," Serre said. "The Canadian economy needs Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario to build a new economy based on innovation.

"Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario has built Canada over the past 100 years. I'm very confident that we have what it takes to rebuild the Canadian economy."

Lefebvre said that the government will invest $150 million over three years into FedNor, the economic development agency for Northern Ontario. He also said the Northern Ontario caucus will work diligently to expand FedNor.

Both MPs said Ottawa is committed to the Ring of Fire, a mineral rich area located in northwestern Ontario. They said the government needs to focus on both the infrastructure around the Ring of Fire and the First Nations living within it.

Developing road and railway links is key, they said.

"We're investing in First Nation education, health and infrastructure. That is the door into the Ring of Fire," said Lefebvre.

He also said the participation of First Nations is absolutely key in moving the project forward.

Serre said a Liberal government is committed to Northern Ontario's progress, and that's reflected in the budget.

"Finally, Ontario has a partner in Ottawa for Greater Sudbury, Nickel Belt and Northern Ontario. As a first step, I am proud our government has heard us."

The MPs reflected on their time in Ottawa as news MPs. "I wanted to be the voice of Sudbury in Ottawa, not the voice of Ottawa in Sudbury," Lefebvre said.

Serre said people in Northern Ontario should have faith in the new Liberal government.

"I'm here today to tell you our government is committed to our new approach," he said. "I've seen it, and I've lived it."

Serre said bringing Syrian refugees to Sudbury and Canada may well be the highlight of his career as MP

"I was at the Sudbury Airport when Sudbury's first two (Syrian) families arrived and I can tell you it was a tremendous emotional event," said Serre. "Let's continue to welcome them to our great city.

"Our future prosperity depends on the growth of increasing our immigrant population in Greater Sudbury, Nickel Belt and Northern Ontario."

Serre said that the survival of small communities will depend on investments in broadband and infrastructure.

He also said his partnership with Lefebvre is a valuable asset to the region.

"Me and Paul work very close together and it's very important that we do that so we can advocate in Ottawa for projects. It really helps to build that priority list and to make a difference in Ottawa."

"The budget is good for Northern Ontario," Lefebvre added, "and I am proud to be continuing our platform and working with Marc."