The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) was delighted that all four Northern Ontario will stay in cabinet at Queen’s Park.
FONOM president and Kapuskasing mayor Alan Spacek is pleased Michael Gravelle is remaining as northern development and mines minister.
“We are pleased to have the continuity of leadership within this portfolio. Minister Gravelle is a true champion for Northern Ontario and is always available to listen to our issues and concerns.”
“While we are disappointed that Minister (Bill) Mauro will no longer be the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, a portfolio which is of utmost importance to FONOM and one that Mauro truly understands, we are pleased to have him as the Minister of Municipal Affairs,” said Spacek. The MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan held the portfolio for a short time in 2014 and is also a former Thunder Bay City Councillor. “We are confident he can appreciate the challenges facing municipalities, particularly in the North,” continued Spacek.
Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti shifts from government and consumer Services over to community safety and correctional services. Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault becomes the energy minister.
“We are pleased that this portfolio will be led by a Northerner that truly understands the energy costs in our region,” said Spacek.
The Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) extended similar congratulations to Premier Wynne’s new team.
“For northern and rural Ontario, by responsibly harvesting our province’s renewable natural resource, trees, we can act on an opportunity to create more green jobs, grow local economies and mitigate the challenges associated with climate change,” said OFIA president-CEO Jamie Lim in a statement.
On the Thibeault’s appointment, she said: “Access to affordable energy is a major concern for companies operating in Northern and rural Ontario. Minister Thibeault’s commitment to building a safe, clean and affordable energy system for the province is welcome news and we congratulate Minister Thibeault on his new appointment.”
