Parliamentary Secretary David Anderson and Kenora MP Greg Rickford Host Natural Resource Roundtable in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay - Building on the Conservative Government's commitment to those Canadian workers, families and communities who are facing difficulties as a result of the global economic slowdown, Parliamentary Secretary David Anderson and Kenora MP Greg Rickford hosted a roundtable on natural resources in Thunder Bay this week.

"We know that workers, families and communities across Northern Ontario are facing tremendous challenges in the forestry and mining industries," said Anderson. "Our Government believes in our forestry and mining industry and the workers, families and communities counting on these industries for their livelihood. This meeting was a chance for us to hear what we can do in the upcoming Budget to help these workers, families and communities get through these difficult times."

On January 27, 2009 Canadians will be presented with a Budget designed to guide Canada through these uncertain times. The roundtable in Thunder Bay is part of a country-wide effort to hear from those Canadians who are feeling first-hand the effects of slowdowns in the forestry, mining and energy sectors and solicit their views on what they would like to see in the Budget.

"In recent days we have been meeting with industry and community stakeholders from across Northern Ontario," said Rickford. "We know that our forestry and mining industries will have a successful future. Our Government will stand with our communities in Northern Ontario to ensure we get through these difficult times and ensure that we emerge from this downturn stronger than ever."