Some big requests will be made at the provincial pre-budget consultations in the city Tuesday.
About 20 presenters are scheduled to appear before the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.
That includes Moira McPherson, the president of Lakehead University. She will be asking that the upcoming provincial budget include $10 million for the $30 million Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre. McPherson explains they hope to use that to leverage money from the federal government.
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce will be asking the budget include investments in mining, transportation, and forestry. President Charla Robinson will also ask the province to address the shortage of skilled workers.
A First Nation run airline in northwestern Ontario wants the province to improve the quality of airports in remote areas. Donnie Macklin of Wasaya Airways will be telling the committee the airports should be maintained to the same standards they are in the south.
As well, an advocate for injured workers will also be at the hearing. Steve Mantis says government benefits through the Workers Safety and Insurance Board have been reduced by 50 percent and it is having a negative affect. He claims some clients cannot access anyone at the board and some end up in poverty with mental health problems.
The consultations take place at the Valhalla Inn Tuesday starting at 9 am.
