The Mayors of Northern Ontario’s Large Urban Municipalities (NOLUM) met with Federal Industry Minister, Tony Clement. North Bay Mayor, Vic Fedeli, Timmins Mayor, Tom Laughren, Greater Sudbury Mayor, John Rodriguez, and Sault Ste Marie Mayor, John Rowswell, met with Minister Clement at his Ottawa office. Thunder Bay Mayor, Lynn Peterson, is a member of the NOLUM Group but was not able to attend yesterday’s meeting.

During their one-hour meeting, the Mayors discussed their priorities for development in Northern Ontario and their concerns regarding the long-term outlook for resource industries in Canada. Opportunities for tourism development, transportation expansion – including short line railways and polar air cargo – and mineral development in the Ring of Fire region were also discussed.

"I value every opportunity to meet with Northern Mayors, to hear their concerns, and to work together at solutions that will benefit the entire region," said Minister Clement.  "The Mayors demonstrated clearly that they are working collaboratively toward common goals and that they share our government's drive toward job creation and economic recovery."

“We had a good discussion and a frank exchange of ideas,” said Mayor Vic Fedeli. “It is clear that this Minister is ready to work with us and we look forward to actively pursuing the ideas discussed, especially the Ring of Fire which I believe holds great potential for our cities.”

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For further information, please contact:

Mayor Vic Fedeli
City of North Bay
Cell: (705) 845-1088