The president of the Federation ofNorthern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) said some Liberal leadership candidates vying for the premier's job promise to rethink the province's divestment of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC).
FONOM president Al Spacek met recently with some candidates to assess their commitment to address regional issues like the current selloff of the ONTC.
In a Jan. 18 news release, Spacek felt positive coming out his meetings with Gerard Kennedy, Harinder Takhar and former leadership hopeful Glen Murray, who is throwing his support behind Kathleen Wynne. He said they are willing to listen to Northerners before making policy decisions that impact the region.
“It is encouraging that some leadership candidates have met with us and committed to standing up for Ontario Northland, and FONOM hopes that the others will take this opportunity to pledge their support for Northern issues before the election.”
Also on Spacek's agenda was addressing the province's decision to close seven provincial parks to overnight camping.
With two weeks to go before the leadership race is decided, FONOM plans to reach out to the remaining candidates to set up meetings.
FONOM is also seeking a commitment for more consultation and input from Northerners on legislation and policy decisions.