**ONTARIO GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASE**

Ontario’s Government for the People is protecting jobs and the economy of Northern Ontario by working with Huron Central Railway to keep the rail line running between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.

Today, Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Assistant to Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, announced the government is supporting a request by Huron Central Railway to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for $980,000 in additional funds to support the continued operations of the rail line.

“Huron Central Railway serves key northern industries, including steel and forestry. Working together with Huron Central to keep trains moving supports jobs and businesses here in the Sault and across the north,” said Parliamentary Assistant Romano.

Huron Central Railway operates 288 kilometres of rail between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. The railway moves freight shipments for companies vital to Ontario’s Northern economy, including Algoma, Eacom Timber and Domtar. Over 3,400 direct and indirect jobs depend on the continued operations of this railway.

“We look forward to continuing rail service in the region,” said Minister Rickford. “Today we’re sending a clear message that Ontario is open for business.”

Filed under: Local News