FONOM Travels to Greater Sudbury for Board of Directors Meeting
Date published: Wednesday, October 12, 2016
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) travelled to the City of Greater Sudbury for the regular meeting of the Board of Directors which was held on October 7, 2016 at the Holiday Inn.
The meeting was held following the Northern Ontario Business Awards so that the Board of Directors could attend the ceremony and extend support for the business community across the North. “Northern Ontario Business President, Michael Atkins, has put on a successful event for thirty years, recognizing the small, medium and large businesses of Northern Ontario and the contributions that they make,” says Mayor Alan Spacek of Kapuskasing and President of FONOM.
The Board discussed a number of key issues affecting the region including unaffordable electricity rates, implications of the Province’s recent announcements of an 8 percent reduction on electricity bills and further reductions for customers in the low density category, as well as concerns that the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) is not receiving the financial resources that it should.
The Directors also provided local updates from the Districts or Cities that they represent on the Board. “It is important to have an opportunity to come together, hear the concerns from across the Northeast and find a common position to unite the region,” said Mayor Spacek.
The Northern Policy Institute’s President and CEO, Charles Cirtwill, provided an update on policy issues and research being undertaken in Northern Ontario. The presentation also focused on a number of the Institute’s initiatives including the Northern Ontario Data Consortium which seeks to combine resources to share data purchase costs and ultimately lowering barriers in accessing data. “FONOM sees the value of the Northern Policy Institute and committed to a closer working relationship as well as promoting their programs to our membership,” stated Spacek.
The next meeting of the Board of Directors will take place in the New Year.
For More Information:
Mayor Alan Spacek
President of FONOM
705-335-0001