Rota sets the record straight on Bill C-451

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota
News Release

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Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota is looking to set the record straight on what he calls “blatant misinformation” being spread by Conservative MP Tony Clement. “Let me make it explicitly clear,” says Mr. Rota, “FedNor is crucial to the people of Northern Ontario, and that includes the people of Parry Sound – Muskoka.”

Over the past several days, Mr. Clement has been quoted in various media sources claiming that Anthony Rota plans on supporting a Private Member’s Bill recently introduced by NDP MP Tony Martin. The proposed legislation (Bill C-451) aims to make FedNor a permanent government agency, and would eliminate the riding of Parry Sound - Muskoka from those eligible to receive funding through the agency.

“I have long been an advocate of taking the necessary steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of FedNor,” says Mr. Rota, “and creating a FedNor agency similar to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is an option I have been promoting for some time.” Mr. Rota contends however, that this does not mean that he intends to support Bill C-451 in its current form.

According to Mr. Rota, Bill C-451 should be examined by a House of Commons committee, whereby amendments can be made to ensure that Parry Sound – Muskoka is still eligible to receive FedNor funding. “My Liberal colleagues and I have always considered Parry Sound – Muskoka part of Northern Ontario,” says Mr. Rota, “and I have absolutely no intention of supporting a bill that would prevent that riding from receiving FedNor funding.”

“As a life-long resident of Northern Ontario, I do not need an MP from Toronto lecturing me on the history and importance of this area,” says Mr. Rota. “If Mr. Clement is serious about making the people of Northern Ontario his number one priority, then perhaps he should explain why his government has already cut annual FedNor funding by more than $6.4 million since he was appointed Minister responsible for the program.”

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