'McGuinty government continues to ignore the voice of Northerners,' Fedeli

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli
News Release

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The McGuinty government continues to ignore the voice of Northerners in announcing it is proceeding with the sale of Ontera, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said today.



Infrastructure Ontario today released a Request For Qualifications (RFQ) inviting interested buyers to submit their credentials for purchasing and operating Ontera, Ontario Northland’s telecommunications arm.



Prospective bidders have until October 22 to submit their qualifications for review.



“We have proven without a doubt that this fire sale will not achieve the savings the government claims it will and I have asked the Auditor General to look into this,” said Fedeli.



“Despite that, the Liberals continue to proceed without consulting Northern leaders and communities.”



Last week, Fedeli wrote Premier Dalton McGuinty, calling on him to ensure Ontario Northland’s rail freight division remain publicly-owned.



“It is critical infrastructure for economic development and private-sector job creation in the North, and we must ensure it remains as such,” said Fedeli.



“It’s my hope Northern mayors and residents will get behind my push to maintain public ownership of ONR’s freight division.”



Fedeli added all of the assets of Ontario Northland deserve a full strategic review that includes input from Northern leaders, businesses and citizens alike.



“That’s definitely not happening as part of this Liberal fire sale.”

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