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Pre-Budget

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Feds Hear Regional Concerns In Kenora

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A number of local issues and concerns were brought to the forefront Wednesday as the Federal government held pre-budget consultations in Kenora.

Mona Fortier is the Minister for Middle Class Prosperity and the Associate Minister of Finance and she says she will bring all ideas shared back to Ottawa for consideration.

Fortier says a strong message was delivered that the government must strengthen its housing system.

“We do have a national housing strategy but we need to be more open and changing and being more flexible to the needs of the region.”

Fortier says the shortage of local skilled trades people was also talked about several times.

She notes there may be a need to improve education opportunities in that field in northwestern Ontario.

Fortier adds providing safe child care and additional support for families seeking employment were other concerns raised.

She heard from local municipalities, first nation leaders, mental health, substance abuse experts and several other agencies during her one day visit.

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Pre-Budget Consultations Held In Kenora

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Improved broadband services in the northwest region, more skilled tradespeople, and don’t cut the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund.

Those there just some of the ideas provided the Ontario Finance minister during pre-budget consultations Monday in Kenora.

Rod Phillips says the feedback they receive is important.

“Making sure we make the right investments in infrastructure, making sure we are being smart about how we spend taxpayers money, and making sure there is money for the vital services people count on,” says Phillips.

“Whether that’s health care, education, or municipal infrastructure. All that planning goes on all year, but this is a really important part because we can hear from people all across Ontario.”

Phillips heard from a number of groups including Making Kenora Home, the Paterson Medical Clinic, Treasury Medals, Confederation College and New Gold.