The focus of the provincial government right now is getting the budget passed in the Legislature.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says that’s the priority in the rare summer sitting.

He says part of the fiscal document is strengthening the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

“Under its revamped and obviously tremendous success for our communities big and small across Northern Ontario, this budget continues to support the robust announcements and under-construction work that I’m doing in our communities to ensure that our quality of life is never compromised and that our resource sectors can build out confidently knowing that they have the towns, cities and Indigenous communities around them to support that growth.”

Rickford says affordable housing and housing for seniors is also a focus for the governing party, noting there are key pieces of legislation that are a priority for him and the government.

He adds they will also be focused on supporting area First Nations.

The Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Minister says there are two key elements in the budget for communities, especially Indigenous owned and operated businesses.

Rickford notes the government is also committed to broadband expansion across the north.