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Mayors say Bartolucci should be ashamed of standing in the ONTC’s way

Mayor Al McDonald News Release ******************** City of North Bay Mayor, Al McDonald issued a statement today on behalf of the Northern Communities Working Group in regard to recent news that Northern Development and Mines Minister, Rick Bartoluc
Mayor Al McDonald
News Release

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City of North Bay Mayor, Al McDonald issued a statement today on behalf of the Northern Communities Working Group in regard to recent news that Northern Development and Mines Minister, Rick Bartolucci has closed the door on assisting the ONTC in acquiring Via Rail refurbishment business from the now bankrupt Industrial Rail Services of Moncton, New Brunswick.

“This really makes no sense whatsoever. First they do everything possible to scuttle the Metrolinx deal, then they announce the divestiture of the ONTC without any consultation, and now they refuse to help the ONTC win valuable new work.” said McDonald.

The refurbishment division of the ONTC has earned a reputation of doing excellent work and has earned praise from clients, including Via Rail.

“I am quite confident the folks at ONTC would have a great shot at winning this business if they were given the opportunity to pursue it,” said McDonald. “The ONTC has the full support of the City of North Bay and the support of the Northern Communities Working Group if they decide to engage Via Rail.”

While the Northern Communities Working Group members met with the Minister on April 19th, the outcome was not positive.

“We met with the Minister but he would do nothing to offer hope that the government would pause the divestiture process,” said Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren. “Having said that, the Minister never once indicated he would stand in the way of ONTC conducting business.”

Mayor Al Spacek of Kapuskasing said, “You would think it would be in the government’s interest to maintain the ONTC as a viable operation, and this IRS Inc. opportunity would allow for just that.”

The NCWG continues to look for alternatives and options to the divestiture process the government has undertaken.

“We want a new deal for Ontario Northland.” said Spacek. “This Via Rail opportunity could be just the opportunity we have been looking for. The Minister should be ashamed of standing in the ONTC’s way.”

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