Press Release
The Conservatives’ decision to cut spending at FedNor is punishing the economy of Northern Ontario and hurting growth in the region.
Local MP John Rafferty, the NDP’s critic for FedNor, hosted a press conference yesterday to share the Library of Parliament’s findings on the FedNor budget.
Rafferty said Kenora MP Greg Rickford, the minister responsible for FedNor, and his Conservative government have slashed economic development spending for Northern Ontario.
He also noted the Tories left $8.5 million unspent in 2013-14.
“It is a sad truth, and we are not talking about bureaucratic efficiencies,” Rafferty stressed.
“This cut has come directly from program spending, and it is shameful.”
Rafferty made these statements after his office received a research note from the Library of Parliament that showed the projected budget for FedNor has been slashed every year since 2008-09.
It also found a large amount of the budget to help the Northern Ontario economy was left unspent.
“Last year, the Conservative budget for FedNor was only $45.5 million, which is down from $76.8 million in 2005-06—the year this government came to power,” noted Rafferty.
“These cuts are even worse when you consider that of the $45.5 million budgeted for program spending at FedNor last year, $8.5 million was left unspent,” he added.
“That is $8.5 million which could have funded job growth for Northern Ontarians.”
Rafferty is demanding answers from the Conservative government and calling on Rickford to answer for the damaging cuts to FedNor.
Northern Ontario has seen 30,000 forestry job losses, no federal commitment for the “Ring of Fire,” and massive cuts to the FedNor budget since the Conservatives came to power.
“Minister Rickford is failing his constituents as their Member of Parliament and is failing Northern Ontarians as cabinet minister,” Rafferty charged.
“Northern Ontarians deserve better—and they can trust that in the upcoming election, only the NDP will stand behind the needs of Canadians,” he said.
