'Abandoning Ontario Northland a Slap in the Face,' Spacek

Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities
News Release

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Alan Spacek, President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities had this to say about the Provincial Government’s announcement Friday concerning their abandonment of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission and all of the vital transportation links it provides to the citizens and industries of the North, “You cannot imagine my shock and disappointment” noted Spacek. “It’s not just the horrible ramifications this divestiture has for the people of Northern Ontario, it was also the way this decision was arrived at – in Toronto behind closed doors without any input from Northerners who are most impacted”.

Spacek immediately asked that this decision be rescinded until some form of proper study and consultation with Northerners – both citizens and industries - can be undertaken. “We will work diligently to rectify this most unfortunate situation,” Spacek said.

“Our organization has worked hard to assist the Province in coming up with solutions to deal with ONTC over the years, and are more than willing to continue to do so to keep this vitally important transportation link in Northern Ontario.” noted FONOM Vice President Tom Laughren. “Seniors needing medical help who cannot drive are going to be left to fend for themselves without the Ontario Northland Passenger Services – both by bus and by rail,” continued Laughren.

“North Bay industry will be seriously impacted by this short-sighted decision,” claimed Mac Bain, Past President of FONOM. “We will fight this until the end.”

“A critical public asset is being abandoned by this Provincial Government, and as Northerners most affected by it, we weren’t even consulted,” Spacek said. “We ask that the Province put a two year moratorium on this decision while we consult on the best ways to proceed. We ask that in the meantime, Ontario Northland be transferred to the Ministry of Transportation or to Metrolinx, where appropriate advice on this process can be obtained. The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines clearly does not have the policy development capacity to address the complex process of rail freight and passenger service and bus transportation divestiture, and we want an open and transparent process.”

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