New Liberal government a fresh start for Thunder Bay, mayor says

The mayor of Thunder Bay says he's pleased that both Members of Parliament representing the city will be on the government side of the house.

Keith Hobbs said he's hopeful that will make it easier to obtain infrastructure and grant money. And the fact that Patty Hajdu, from Thunder Bay-Superior North, is familiar with council and how it operates, is a bonus for the city.

"She has a good relationship with council. She's appeared before us many times," he said.

"She knows where we're coming from. She knows how to deal with council. So, I'm looking forward to meeting soon with both of them, get our priorities straight and set. I'm pretty sure they're lining up with what we're hearing."

Hobbs said he's looking at the new government as a fresh start.

"I feel bad for Andrew Foulds, but I'm very happy to have him back on council," he said.

"At the same time, I think we have two quality MPs now in the city of Thunder Bay, and they're with the right party."

Hobbs said he hopes a new government will prioritize funding for an event centre in the city. The city wants to eliminate its infrastructure deficit by 2028, so any additional funding is welcome, he added.

Hobbs said he spoke with Patty Hajdu on Tuesday morning about addressing Thunder Bay's social problems.

"I've been after the feds to look after social issues like homelessness and housing, and they've been absent," he said.

"So, having somebody like Patty there — and Don [Rusnak] also talked about it — so I think we're laughing here in Thunder Bay."