FONOM issues raised at 2019 AMO Conference
This past August, FONOM was well represented at the AMO Conference in Ottawa and meetings were held with several Provincial Cabinet Ministers. The following is a summary of the issues raised on behalf of northeastern municipalities and the recommendations provided to Provincial representatives.
Regulations and Support for Abattoirs in the North-east
FONOM requests the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to continue to review compliance requirements and develop regulations for abattoirs that are reasonable and applied consistently in order to maintain the operation of these facilities in the north.
Enforcement of Safety on Family Farms
FONOM requests the Hon. Doug Downey, Minister of the Attorney General to work with his fellow MPP’s and agricultural leaders to find a better way forward to ensure stronger enforcement of existing laws, or new legislation to ensure the safety of Ontario’s farm families, employees and animals.
Electricity Pricing
FONOM requests the government to lower electricity costs for northern industries and consider providing support to northern municipalities that have high electricity costs to operate municipal facilities such as municipal arenas.
Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF)
That the government provide a dedicated and consistent allocation of funds under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund; and that FONOM be provided a seat at the Minister of Finance’s consultations regarding the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund.
May 2019 Provincial Budget
FONOM would like the opportunity to discuss the financial challenges northern municipalities and services providers face either through AMO MOU process, or as part of individual municipal consultations as these servicesare of vital importance to northern municipalities due to vast geographical areas and extreme distances. FONOM also encourages the government to ensure that both northwestern and northeastern Ontario are equally awarded with any new centers of operation.
Resource Revenue Sharing
That FONOM be involved in any future discussions by the government regarding ENDM initiatives such as resource revenue sharing; the NOHFC program, as well as energy costs to northern industries and municipalities.
Broadband and Cellular Service
FONOM considers broadband and cellular service across all northern Ontario an essential service to enable future economic development and employment opportunities and requests the government to immediately invest in this important service.
Support for the Forest Industry in Northern Ontario
FONOM encourages the government to continue with its commitment to increasing the use of timber in the home building industry through the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan and the Housing Supply Action Plan and increasing the use of Northern Ontario timber in buildings, including the Sidewalk Labs project.
Provincial Oversight of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC)
That the government move the accountability for the ONTC from the Minister of Energy Northern Development and Mines to the Minister of Transportation for fulfilling its legislative obligations, the management of its resources, and the standards it provides.
Going the Extra Mile for Safety (GEMS) Committee Pilot Project Proposal
That the Minister of Transportation commit to constructing a 2+1 highway improvement pilot project on Highway 11 at a suitable location between North Bay and Cochrane as a step toward improving road safety in northern Ontario.