Fedeli slams MNR for park closures

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli
News Release

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Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli joined PC Natural Resources Critic Laurie Scott today in blasting the Ministry of Natural Resources over the recent announcement
to close 10 provincial parks, adding it was very poorly handled.

“There was no prior discussion or consultation with local municipalities, residents or stakeholders,” said Fedeli, who noted the decision is eerily similar to the approach the Liberals took when deciding to have their ONTC fire sale without consulting with Northerners.

“No attempt was made to open a dialogue with those individuals and groups who would be directly impacted, or to explore other options for keeping the parks open.”

Nine of the affected parks are in Northern Ontario, prompting Fedeli to ask why the North continues to be targeted in this manner by the McGuinty government.

“The closures will undoubtedly have a negative impact on local tourism and businesses,” Fedeli said.

“Once again decisions impacting the North are being made in Toronto without local input.”

Fedeli believes the Liberals have mismanaged the Ministry of Natural Resources, opting for quick, short-term solutions rather than engaging Ontarians in an open manner.
“This lack of transparency has been all too typical of MNR,” said Fedeli, who noted the Environment Commissioner’s most recent report is very critical of MNR’s failure to consult with Ontarians on matters of significance.

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