Mr. Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the importance of regional development programs such as FedNor. Constituents in my riding and throughout northern Ontario have benefited greatly from the stable, long term investment that FedNor provides.
While the opposition has made it clear that it would scrap regional development programs such as FedNor, the federal Liberals have demonstrated time and time again their commitment to FedNor. In budget 2005, the Government of Canada reiterated this commitment by increasing FedNor's base budget to almost $52 million.
FedNor funding has gone toward many worthwhile projects in my riding, including a new retirement facility in New Liskeard, waterfront development in North Bay, a feasibility study for a new observatory in Powassan, and a feasibility study on wind power generation in the Temagami area, to mention a few.
Regional development programs such as FedNor are vital to the economic growth and prosperity of northern Ontario, and by supporting this program, the federal Liberal government remains committed to the people of northern Ontario.