You can’t build an economy in the North without investing in it, according to Charlie Angus. The federal NDP candidate says FedNor is supposed to be there to diversify the economy, because the Timmins-James Bay riding is dependent on mining and forestry. But, he says 25 per cent of the FedNor budget has been cut under Harper.
He says we need to have sustainable funding year-to-year without going to cuts because our region needs to invest in diversification. Angus says that’s how you build the economy, create jobs, and have a successful government.
He says on top of the cuts, the Harper government promised $14 million of FedNor money to the north that never ended up getting spent. He says that equals a lot of jobs that didn’t get started and a lot of businesses that were held back.
Despite those cuts, Angus says the Timmins-James Bay riding is doing the best in terms of getting FedNor investments. He says that’s a good thing, but the funding has to be consistent and the NDP will properly stock the organization.
Running against Angus is Conservative John Curley, Green Party candidate Max Kennedy, and Liberal Todd Lever.
Full answer from Angus: