OTTAWA, ON - The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) are expressing deep concern following Algoma Steel’s announcement of 1,000 layoff notices—an immeasurable blow to workers, families, and the community of Sault Ste. Marie. “This is a difficult and uncertain moment for workers, their loved ones, and the [...]
Meetings with the Government of Canada — Dec. 1–2, 2025 Presidents Dave Plourde (FONOM) and Rick Dumas (NOMA) are leading delegations in Ottawa as we meet with federal ministers and officials to advance the priorities of more than 140 municipalities across Northern and Northwestern Ontario. Our message is clear: the challenges facing the North are [...]
Northeastern Ontario – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcomes today’s announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney outlining new federal measures to support Canada’s steel and softwood lumber industries, which continue to face unprecedented challenges due to aggressive U.S. tariff actions. The federal plan includes strengthened protections for domestic producers, expanded financial supports for [...]
Timmins, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcomes the federal government’s decision to formally refer Canada Nickel’s Crawford Project to the Major Projects Office, recognizing its national significance and its potential to drive economic growth and clean-energy development in Northern Ontario. Located approximately 42 kilometres north of Timmins in the Abitibi Greenstone [...]
Echo Bay, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcomes the Ontario government’s new Pothole Prevention and Repair Program, which will provide $10 million to help smaller municipalities maintain safer and more reliable roads. “This new Pothole Prevention and Repair Program is welcome news for Northern Ontario communities,” said Dave Plourde, President of [...]
Gore Bay, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) acknowledges the Ontario government’s 2025 Fall Economic Statement, which highlights several important investments and initiatives that will directly benefit Northern communities. FONOM is encouraged by the Province’s commitment to balance its books by 2027-2028 while continuing to invest in key infrastructure and affordability measures. [...]
Markstay-Warren, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is expressing strong concern regarding the Ontario government’s announcement to introduce legislation that would ban municipalities from using automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras in community safety zones and school zones. While the legislation was introduced to the Legislature on October 20, FONOM believes such a [...]
KAPUSKASING, ON and THUNDER BAY, ON — October 17, 2025 —The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) welcome the statement from the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, reaffirming the federal government’s support for Kap Paper and the workers and families [...]
October 17, 2025 – Kapuskasing, Ontario - The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is deeply concerned by the announcement of an indefinite shutdown at the Ear Falls sawmill. The loss of this facility is not just a blow to one community—it’s a warning signal for all of Northern Ontario’s resource-based towns. For decades, [...]
Northern leaders commend collaboration to protect jobs, families, and regional stability KAPUSKASING / MARATHON, ON – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) are expressing their sincere appreciation to the Government of Canada, Premier Doug Ford, and the Province of Ontario for their coordinated efforts to keep the [...]
