Timmins Chamber of Commerce wants infrastructure into RoFhttps://www.q92timmins.com/lifestyle/news/ Timmins Chamber of Commerce’s latest policy digs deep Posted on October 3, 2013 by tom.parisi The Timmins Chamber of Commerce is taking action to push the federal government to partner with industry on funding infrastructure related to mining projects in remote areas such as Ontario’s Ring of Fire. At the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s (CCC) annual general meeting held Sept. 28-30, the Timmins Chamber successfully lobbied representatives of the country’s largest business advocacy group to push for more federal funding partnerships for mining-related transportation and energy infrastructure. Held in Kelowna, B.C., the event saw nearly 500 delegates — representing more than 200,000 Canadian businesses — debating policies put forward by Chambers from around the country to determine the CCC’s top priorities for the coming year. 2013-14 Timmins Chamber President Phil Barton and Timins Chamber Manager of Policy, Research and Communications Nick Stewart were on hand to successfully lobby for Timmins Chamber members’ interests. “Timmins’ economy is closely linked to the health of the mining industry, and there are many projects throughout Northern Ontario that could have a strong and positive impact on our local businesses,” said Barton. “However, many of these projects are in remote areas, and are being delayed by a lack of transportation or energy infrastructure; these projects are also often in areas with First Nations communities who are also strongly in need of that same infrastructure. Industry is often willing to share the costs of this development, and the adoption of this policy by the delegates of the CCC is a crucial first step in bringing the federal government to the table on this issue.” Having adopted Timmins’ energy policies, the CCC will use those ideas as part of its efforts to enact change in the coming months and years. This policy, entitled Infrastructure Investment Essential to Mining Sector Growth, was crafted in consultation between the Timmins Chamber’s Government Regulation and Policy Committee, area businesses, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, as well as B.C.’s Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce.