Premier visits One Kids Place

The provincial government remains committed to the Ring of Fire.

So says Premier Kathleen Wynne.

She says her government has set aside a billion dollars for infrastructure work .

She also disputed claims the government has reduced funding at the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines by $70 million.

She says infact the funding is up by $30 million.

Wynne made the remarks at One Kids Place where she discussed the new government program that will offer free prescription medication to those 24 and younger as of January 1st of next year.

Wynne says her government has taken steps to help out hospitals and has pledged support for the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

She says in addition to a 2 % increase in funding at every hospital the government is also injecting the hospital here with an additional $30 million to help with restructuring costs.

She was also asked about about helping municipalities manage costs.

Wynne says they have tripled their municipal infrastructure funding.

Wynne says she supports Ontario Northland.

She says the government wants to adopt a northern transportation strategy and have rail services where it makes sense.