Federal money was flowing to Nipissing-Timiskaming in 2018 and that’s one highlight for MP Anthony Rota.

He says there was plenty of funding for economic development, infrastructure, seniors and housing.

Rota says another highlight was the signing of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, which will replace NAFTA when governments in all three countries pass legislation, approving the deal.

A challenge though is American tariffs on aluminum and steel, which are being felt here too.

“We have mining companies that get steel from the United States and sell to the US, so there’s a charge there that is put on. We have retailers who buy products and suddenly the price has gone up by as much as 20 and 25 percent,” he says.

Another issue making headlines this year was recreational cannabis becoming legal in October.

“It hasn’t been the big bogeyman that everyone said it was going to be,” Rota says.

He says he’s not encouraging it’s use, but points out it’s now legal like alcohol and encourages anyone in need of help with addiction or abuse issues to seek out support.

As for 2019, Rota was asked what the focus will be for Ottawa.

“The economy, that’s always been the case, with a strong economy you can make everything else happen,” he says.

Another focus is the Federal Election coming up in October 2019, with Rota already nominated as the Liberal candidate.

Again, the economy will be the main issue on the campaign trail.

“We want to bring programs in, we want to make sure that the funding does keep coming and encourage it, but it’s all in part of keeping the economy going so people can support themselves, raise a family and do it comfortably,” he says.

 

(File photo)

Filed under: nipissing-timiskaming-mp-anthony-rota