June 2, 2026 – OTTAWA, ON – Leaders from the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA), the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) met today with Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon to discuss the continued modernization and long-term improvement of the Trans-Canada Highway system across Northern Ontario, specifically Highways 11 and 17.
Joining the discussion were Ontario Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth Hon. George Pirie, and Federal Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor Hon. Patty Hajdu, highlighting the growing collaboration between federal, provincial, and municipal partners on one of Canada’s most critical transportation and trade corridors.
The meeting focused on the importance of continued investments in highway twinning, targeted safety improvements, climate resiliency, transportation reliability, and strengthening the movement of people and goods across Northern Ontario and Canada.
The discussion builds on momentum generated following yesterday’s opportunity for NOMA President Rick Dumas to briefly connect directly with Prime Minister Mark Carney and share Northern Ontario municipal priorities, including the modernization of Highways 11 and 17.
“Today’s meeting was another important step forward in ensuring Northern Ontario’s transportation infrastructure remains part of the national conversation,” said Rick Dumas, President of NOMA. “There was strong recognition around the table that Highways 11 and 17 are not simply Northern highways — they are nationally significant trade, supply chain, and community lifelines that connect Canada from coast to coast.”
“Northern municipalities continue to advocate for meaningful investments that improve safety, strengthen economic competitiveness, and ensure our communities remain connected year-round,” said Dave Plourde, President of FONOM. “We appreciated the collaborative and constructive dialogue with Minister MacKinnon, Minister Hajdu, and Minister Pirie.”
“Reliable transportation infrastructure is essential for the economic success, safety, and long-term sustainability of rural and Northern communities across Ontario,” said Christa Lowry, Chair of ROMA. “Today’s meeting demonstrated the importance of all levels of government and municipal partners continuing to work together to advance practical and meaningful improvements to these nationally significant corridors.”
All parties agreed to continue building on today’s discussions and work collaboratively toward advancing meaningful action on highway expansion, safety improvements, and building a Trans-Canada Highway system that connects communities, protects travellers, and supports the long-term economic growth of Northern Ontario and Canada.
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Media Contacts:
Dave Plourde, President, FONOM
705-335-1615 | [email protected]
Rick Dumas, President, NOMA
(807) 229-6842 | [email protected]