Ontario's Ministry of Transportation will host consultations in the summer to determine the future of inter-city bus services in Northern Ontario and across the province.
Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle said modernizing inter-city bus services in Ontario is a big priority for the provincial government, especially as companies like Greyhound reduce their levels of service.
Transportation was just one of the topics on the table during the Northern Leaders Dialogue Tuesday.
Gravelle and Energy Minister, and Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault met with Northern Ontario mayors and First Nations leaders in Sudbury to also discuss the province's mineral development strategy and hydro rates for the mining and forestry sectors.
On that topic, Thibeault said the Northern Ontario mayors were happy with the various programs to discount hydro rates for heavy users.
“There are many programs out there that continue to make Northern Ontario one of the best places in terms of electricity prices in North America,” he said.
Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger said Ontario's mineral development strategy was an important topic for him and the city.
Despite an ongoing slump in mineral prices and the local mining sector, Bigger said he was impressed with the province's commitment to help increase investment in the industry.
“Now is not the time to back off,” Bigger said.
Gravelle has met with Northern Ontario's urban mayors twice a year since December 2013.
He said the bi-annual meetings allow him to report their concerns back to the premier.
