Minister Gravelle issues statement on GCA request

Director of Communications for Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle sent BayToday the following statement regarding the GCA call to him and Premier Wynne to discuss the future of the ONTC.

“Our goal throughout this process remains unchanged, ensuring northern communities and industries benefit from viable, efficient and sustainable transportation and communications systems.

Certainly the unions that represent ONTC are key partners as we work together to achieve that goal. Discussions between the ONTC and the unions that represent ONTC are managed between the employer and the unions. To protect the integrity of those discussions we must continue to respect that process.

I have certainly been clear that status quo is not an option and that divestment may not be the only solution.

Our work continues with the Minister’s Advisory Committee, a dedicated group of northern leaders representing municipalities, First Nations, and industry, to assess options and come up with a solution that is sustainable in the long term. We continue to look at multiple options for each part of the ONTC, including divestment, restructuring, alternative service delivery and new partnerships.

Our discussions to date have been both constructive and insightful.

We remain committed to proceeding in a careful, thorough and fair manner.”

- Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines