'Northerners must be heard and be part of the decision making here,' Fedeli

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli
News Release

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Today’s “update” on Dalton McGuinty’s fire sale of Ontario Northland only proves this government remains on the wrong track, said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.

“This fire sale is not the solution. Nothing announced today by Rick Bartolucci changes the fact there are NO savings to be had through his dismantling of Ontario Northland,” said Fedeli.

“I have proven this government will spend hundreds of millions of dollars in pension payouts, keeping the Polar Bear Express running, subsidizing smaller feeder bus routes, not to mention severance costs and environmental issues.”

While providing partial details on its next steps on divestment, the Liberal government has done nothing to allay the fears and economic uncertainty its created among residents, businesses and Ontario Northland customers throughout Northeastern Ontario by failing to communicate clearly with Northerners.

“The fact that as of right now Ontera is the only business line up for sale is proof the government had no plan and is doing this by the seat of their pants,” said Fedeli.

“After nearly five months, shouldn’t they be able to tell us exactly how they plan to proceed?” Fedeli asked.

Fedeli also noted Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci never consulted Northerners about this decision, while he and PC colleague Norm Miller visited affected communities up and down the Ontario Northland corridor to listen to their concerns.

“Northerners must be heard and be part of the decision making here,” added Fedeli.

“When the Northlander makes its final run on September 28, it will indeed be a sad day in the history of the relationship between the provincial government and Northern
Ontario.”

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