NORTH BAY, ON– A vital transportation service in northern Ontario could be changing up which ministry it reports to.
That’s according to a new announcement from Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli today.
Fedeli held a press conference today with Corina Moore, the President and CEO of Ontario Northland, and Andy Mitchell, the President of Unifor Local 103, meant to talk about the future of the transport service and the government’s recent economic update.
The province will be looking at the transfer of Ontario Northland out of the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development, and Mines, over to the Ministry of Transportation.
It’s believed that the move would allow the province to centralize oversight of all government agencies meant to deliver transport services, and be a way to improve services.
“Northeastern Ontario has been united with one voice on the importance of Ontario Northland, and where we all feel it needs to go next. Our government has listened,” said Fedeli, in the announcement.
The province will also be looking at the enhancement of inter-community links via the existing bus service, meant to ensure connections between underserved and unserved northern communities.
“Make no mistake, our government’s commitment to Ontario Northland is clear,” Fedeli said, in the announcement.
“We are taking the steps necessary to ensure Ontario Northland remains an important driver for economic development; that it will keep people and goods moving in the North, and that Ontario Northland will help make the North open for Business and open for jobs now and in the future.”
The announcement focused on the enhancement of bus services, with no new information regarding the return of passenger rail service on the Northlander.
However, Moore did state that the transfer would create opportunities to improve transport services for rail and bus passengers.
“We are excited to implement expanded services to ensure improved transportation options across Northern Ontario,” said Moore, in the announcement.
The MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom will reach out to Ontario Northland for clarification on whether or not rail service will also be looked at for enhancement.