The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities has elected new leadership. After eight years as president, Danny Whalen is leaving his post as FONOM president and is being replaced by Kapuskasing Mayor Dave Plourde. Whalen said he’s most proud of working to secure the Northern Ontario Regional Development Support fund, an assistance program for municipalities affected by resource extraction. “We have lobbied for 25, 30 years, and under Minister (Greg) Rickford, I was able to work with him and get this assistance program pilot project in place,” Whalen said. “And it was $75 million over five years. So in the case of my own municipality, that’s an extra quarter of $1 million a year.” Time for a new voice He said FONOM will continue to work with the Northern Economic Development and Growth Minister George Pirie to make the fund permanent. Whalen said it was time for a new voice at the head of FONOM. “I think we’re on the right track,” he said. “But sometimes just the way you approach things, if you can just change your approach a little, you might change your benefit from that.” Plourde said he’s looking to build on Whalen’s legacy. “Danny stays on as past president,” he said. “So, you know, I’m lucky to have the history and everything that’s required to represent the people of northern Ontario.” Plourde said Whalen did a remarkable job as president. “His leadership, vision and tireless advocacy have strengthened our voice and advanced the priorities of our communities,” he said. “On behalf of the board, I thank him for his years of service.” Moving forward, Plourde said one of his main priorities is helping communities deal with U.S. tariffs.
