Yesterday, Mayor Boileau had the opportunity to sit down with The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, to talk about housing, healthcare, and funding for homelessness prevention.

“We talked about the permanency of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and how it benefits rural communities by providing access to skilled foreign workers. Timmins was one of only 11 communities chosen across Canada to participate in RNIP. We’re urging the federal government to make this a permanent program.

“We talked about healthcare in Timmins and access to primary care, particularly for First Nation communities. With better access to health care available to our Indigenous partners, the capacity of our regional hospital will be supported. There is funding the federal government can provide now that will help our health care providers upgrade, enhance, and expand health services in Timmins.

“We talked about Canada’s current homelessness strategy and how it works with the national housing strategy; specifically, how the federal government can support our community’s need to increase affordable housing. We know that industry plans, particularly in the mining sector, will require more skilled labour. We also need support with homelessness prevention, and that starts with having a place to call home.

“We joined a discussion with the Timmins Chamber of Commerce where we talked about federal support for businesses transitioning to a green economy and Canada’s goal of being net-zero by 2050. Sustainable and prosperous economies require investment, and our local businesses need assistance making this transition and achieving this milestone. The City of Timmins supports measures to mitigate climate change. Our own efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through mindful operations has been successful.

“I want to thank Mona Fortier for giving me the opportunity to talk openly about what our community needs. Conversations are happening – that have to happen – to help Timmins thrive.” ~ Mayor Michelle Boileau

Housing, the economy, and the environment are all council priorities for this term of council. Learn more at: https://www.timmins.ca/our_services/city_hall/mayor_and_council/council_actions_and_initiatives