Eric Melillo, Conservative Shadow Minister for Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, says he is concerned that the majority of contracts for goods and services awarded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) were to businesses outside of northern Ontario.
“After eight years of this NDP-Liberal government, northern Ontario has been left behind,” Melillo stated.
“It is extremely concerning so few businesses in the north were awarded contracts from FedNor.”
According to the government’s response to an order paper question from MP Melillo, less than 15% of contracts over $1,000 were awarded to businesses in northern Ontario. Three contracts were awarded to companies based in the United States.
“The region has exceptional talent across all sectors. It is difficult to believe there were no businesses in northern Ontario that could have instead provided these goods and services,” Melillo added.
