With the Victoria Day long weekend behind us, I am sure we are all looking forward to a beautiful summer in North Western Ontario.
Even though many of us will be out at camps, enjoying our gardens, on the lakes fishing or enjoying some well-deserved downtime, the work continues to be done to ensure Canada’s and Northern Ontario’s best days lie ahead.
You may have read about the recent FedNor funding announcement made by Minister Navdeep Bains. In this announcement, $2.7 million in Northern Ontario Development Program funding was given to establish a renewable energy micro-grid development company.
This kind of investment will help with business development in the region and will create innovative green energy solutions and new jobs. This will help spur on economic growth in the region and innovative projects like this will strengthen our communities.
We are always looking for your input on critical issues.
This week Don Rusnak and I held two dynamic and innovative town hall discussions to talk to residents about climate change. We heard your thoughts about how we can reduce emissions, your ideas for new technology, job creation and climate change preparation.
These discussions were extremely successful and the input we received will be considered as take action on climate change.
I know I was inspired and hopefully others will also be inspired to take action in their communities.
There will be more town halls and forums in the upcoming months on a variety of issues so I can hear from the community and draw on our collective experiences as we tackle critical issues and find opportunities and solutions.
Coming together to help solve both short and long term challenges is nothing new to Canadians and Northerners especially in times of tragedy. I am sure that everyone was heartbroken by the destruction caused by the Alberta wildfires.
So many of us have families or loved ones who have worked in and around Fort McMurray.
I am truly proud of all who donated funds, goods or even their homes to families who have lost so much because of these fires. I was honoured to have been named as co-chair of the special committee formed by Prime Minister Trudeau and headed by Minister Kent Hehr that will help co-ordinate the reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the fire.
These fires also serve as warning to all of us who live near forests to respect the fire advisories and to abide all safety precautions when enjoying nature.
Finally, June 7 began Ramadan. This is a time of fasting, deep reflection and coming together for prayers and iftars for Muslims all over the world. I would like to wish all my best to the entire Muslim community.
