A local delegation is back from this week’s Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto.

North Bay Mayor Al McDonald says they focused on three things in their talks, including economic development, jobs and post secondary education.

McDonald says they’re all tied together, so North Bay and the north can grow.

He says they’ve achieved some early success, but doesn’t expect major announcements this week, pointing out the work they’ve done here could pay off down the road.

The local group met with three ministers: Michael Gravelle who is charge of Northern Development and Mines, Bill Mauro who has the Municipal Affairs portfolio and Brad Duguid who is in charge of Economic Development.

McDonald says they’ve also met with the parliamentary assistant for Deb Mathews, the minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

 

Deputy Mayor talks with Premier and PC Leader

Deputy Mayor Sheldon Forgette says he had brief discussions with both Premier Kathleen Wynne and PC Leader Patrick Brown.

Forgette says he relayed some of the challenges the city is facing.

He says Brown is planning to come to North Bay in the next few weeks.

When it comes to the discussion with Wynne, Forgette says, “it sounds like they’re coming out with something to address some hydro challenges in the upcoming budget. It will be interesting to see what they release and look forward to that.”

Meantime, Forgette posted a picture of himself and the Premier on social media and says he isn’t surprised with some of the negative comments.

“I think it’s important to build relationships with all members of government and I thought it was unfortunate with some of the comments,” he said.

The Deputy Mayor says the local group also got the chance to meet with Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid.

“We just wanted to continue to push what’s in North Bay and with our airport, and how there is potential with our airport,” he said.

They also talked about how the new Trump Administration may impact the provincial economy.