Meet With Us In The North

North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce
Letter To Premier McGuinty

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The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce and has taken out a full page ad in the Ottawa Sun today. The ad is to inform residents of Premier McGuinty’s home town that selling off Ontario Northland, a public entity, isn’t sitting well with businesses in the region.

“They announced on March 23rd of this year they are planning to sell off the assets of Ontario Northland.” said John Strang, President of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce. “Business and other stakeholders in the north were never consulted. In fact, as recently as the last provincial election the McGuinty Government was voicing support for the ONTC.”
Ontario Northland is responsible for the telecommunication services, rail and motor coach passenger services, rail freight and bus parcel express and rail remanufacturing and refurbishment. The ONTC has been in operation and serving Ontario residents for more than 100 years.

“The ONTC has always been a vital economic development component across the north. The essential services of the ONTC have been instrumental in advancing mining and forestry, connecting communities and people, and ensuring northeastern Ontario is linked to the global economy through state of the art technology.” said Strang.

The government announcement to divest of the ONTC was made by Minster of Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci.

“This was a shock to everyone.” said North Bay Mayor Al McDonald. “They never consulted with the municipalities. We have tried several times to open meaningful discussions with the government but we have been met with only disappointment.”

Attempts to meet with the Premier too have been fruitless. Invitations extended to Mr. McGuinty to come to the north to meet with stakeholders have gone unanswered.

“We are using this full page ad to explain our position and to inform Mr. McGuinty’s constituents about our situation.” said Strang

The stakeholders have consistently said the process is flawed and unfair and the government is ramming the divestiture through with out a clear plan.

“We want a new deal for Ontario Northland.” added Mayor McDonald, “We want to be included in the process.”

“Ontarians in Toronto ad Ottawa wouldn’t stand for the kind of treatment northerners are being subjected to.” said Strang, “The divestiture of Ontario Northland should be of concern to everyone for it is a direct assault on employment, community and economic development, and our way of life.”

More Information about this issue can be found at nd4on.ca

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