Rota's bill passes second reading

Nipissing‐Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota
News Release

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Nipissing‐Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota is very pleased that his Private Members Bill, C‐309, which seeks to establish a permanent FedNor Agency has successfully passed Second Reading in the House of Commons, and will now be referred to committee for further evaluation.

“I have worked very hard in conjunction with colleagues from all political parties to ensure passage of this Bill,” says Mr. Rota, “and this week’s vote brings our goal of creating a permanent FedNor agency one step closer to reality.”

Mr. Rota did however express his frustration with the Conservatives, and in particular Tony Clement, who voted against the proposed legislation. “I am disappointed, but not entirely surprised that Mr. Clement voted against Bill C‐309,” says Mr. Rota. “The Minister and his Conservative colleagues have repeatedly shown a lack of understanding and respect for the people of Northern Ontario, and they have proven once more that they are completely out of
touch with the issues that matter most to the people of our region.”

Bill C‐309 was introduced in the House last February where it has been debated extensively, and the proposed legislation will now be examined further by the Standing Committee on Industry, Science & Technology. As Deputy Chair of the Industry Committee, Mr. Rota says that he
intends to put the issue front and centre. “At a time of economic uncertainty, I believe the committee owes it to the dozens of communities and municipalities throughout Northern Ontario that have publicly endorsed this Bill to do everything it can to ensure that this legislation moves forward,” says Mr. Rota.

Since the Conservatives took office in 2006, the FedNor budget has been slashed by nearly $7 million a year. Mr. Rota maintains that Bill C‐309 is designed to ensure that FedNor will be not be subjected to further cuts. “A FedNor agency will demand greater accountability, and will be required to report to Parliament on a regular basis,” says Mr. Rota.

“I am committed to ensuring that the residents of Northern Ontario are given every opportunity to develop and maintain a strong regional economy, as well as diversify and strengthen their employment base. By enshrining FedNor as an agency, and making it more effective overall, we
will achieve this goal.”

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