Bisson says Fedeli's motion is a last-ditch effort to save face on ONTC

File photo of Henri Giroux, MPP Gilles Bisson and MPP John Vanthof.

MPP Gilles Bisson
News Release

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QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Transportation Critic and Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson says a motion by PC MPP Vic Fedeli is an attempt by the PC caucus to mask their support for the privatization of the ONTC.

“This is a great example of the PC party trying to have their cake and eat it too,” said Bisson. “They are trying to be seen as doing something to stop privatization, but all their amendment would do is require the government to table a report about the sell-off. It does nothing to stop the privatization of the ONTC.”

“The PC caucus has been in favour of privatization all along,” explained Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof. “They are on the record as being in full support of the Drummond report, which recommended the privatization of the ONTC. This motion is only about the appearance of stopping the sell-off of this important asset -- it doesn't really accomplishing anything.”

The motion is likely to be found out of order by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, as the sell-off of the ONTC does not relate directly to Bill 55. Passing the motion would require unanimous consent of the Committee.

The NDP caucus has also introduced a motion that, if passed, would force a vote in the legislature before privatization could go forward.

Both motions are out of order, and would require unanimous consent by all three parties to pass, because the government authority to privatize the ONTC is legislated by the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Act, not the budget bill.

“While we know our amendment may fail on a technicality, we're hoping that the Tories and the Liberals make the most of this opportunity to support the NDP amendment that will force a vote in the legislature on the privatization of this important asset in the North, " said Bisson

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