North Bay upset to be left off task force created to focus on transportation needs in the region
It’s called the Northern Transportation Task Force and the goal is to make travel easier, and to grow the economy in the north.
The task force has representation from northern mayors, Indigenous chiefs and other business and transportation leaders from across the north.
“Stronger use of our rail service, our bus service, interconnection of the bus services,” said task force chair Danny Whalen.
"Expansion, as well as strong marine presence, look at strengthening that for freight services. Small community air ports as well, which we also have across the north."
With such an ambitious mandate, some in North Bay are upset the city has no direct representative.
“Who picked the people to sit on the committee and how did you miss North Bay?” said Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch.
“Unless you have us at the table, we don’t have that direct advocacy piece. The chair mentioned he would be willing to go up to 15 seats. There’s 13 right now ... North Bay would be more than happy to take our seat at the table"
Whalen disagreed with Vrebosch and told CTV News that North Bay is definitely represented.
“North Bay’s MPP Vic Fedeli sits at the cabinet table and is regular communication with people on that list,” said Whalen.
“Also, through Bill Vrebosch -- he’s one of my FONOM directors -- FONOM has been elected to co-chair this task force, so he has a direct link to the table. North Bay probably has stronger representation at this task force than any municipality in the north.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Torchbearers in Marseille kick off the Olympic flame's journey across France
Torchbearers carried the Olympic flame through the streets of France's southern port city of Marseille on Thursday, a day after it arrived on a majestic three-mast ship for a welcoming ceremony.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.