Bill to make FedNor permanent agency passes second reading

The push to have the Federal Northern Ontario Economic Development Program, better known to many as FedNor, become a permanent economic development agency has passed another hurdle.

A private member’s bill sponsored by MP Anthony Rota (Lib., Nipissing – Timiskaming) passed second reading in the House on Thursday by a vote of 149 to 134. 

FedNor now functions as a division of Industry Canada. But Rota says that Northern Ontario is a unique region that presents specific economic challenges. 

Because of that, the MP says the region needs its own stand-alone development vehicle. 

Rota also says the Conservatives, including the Minister responsible Tony Clement and MP Greg Rickford (Con. Kenora), have turned their back on Northern Ontario's needs by voting against the legislation. 

The bill will now proceed to third reading.