A number of local issues and concerns were brought to the forefront Wednesday as the Federal government held pre-budget consultations in Kenora.
Mona Fortier is the Minister for Middle Class Prosperity and the Associate Minister of Finance and she says she will bring all ideas shared back to Ottawa for consideration.
Fortier says a strong message was delivered that the government must strengthen its housing system.
“We do have a national housing strategy but we need to be more open and changing and being more flexible to the needs of the region.”
Fortier says the shortage of local skilled trades people was also talked about several times.
She notes there may be a need to improve education opportunities in that field in northwestern Ontario.
Fortier adds providing safe child care and additional support for families seeking employment were other concerns raised.
She heard from local municipalities, first nation leaders, mental health, substance abuse experts and several other agencies during her one day visit.
