Tory visits ... again

Provincial Conservative leader John Tory talks gas tax policy in North Bay.

Provincial Conservative leader John Tory stopped by for a visit to the city today in check up on local candidate Bill Vrebosh and talk about his party’s platform.

While Tory didn’t have anything new to add to the platform, he did promise that if his party gains power in October, he will invest gas tax dollars into improving roads and bridges in rural and Northern Ontario.

Sighting the current state of the highway between Nipigon and Thunder Bay Tory said it was high time for the province to pay attention to the state of rural and northern highways.

"We know that Northern Ontarians depend heavily on their regional network of roads and highways," Tory said.

"The current state of deterioration of the Region's roads puts the safety of those who travel them at risk, and stands in the way of economic growth in the region. Dalton McGuinty's approach is to neglect this region for four years and then make a last minute attempt to buy votes. North Bay needs long-term, consistent funding for roads and bridges which is exactly what our policy will accomplish."

Tory touched on a number of topics including youth out migration stating that province needs to entice youth back to the north by laying the infrastructure that will lead to good jobs and solid careers.

Vrebosh, who says the Conservative leader is his kind of leader, says it wasn’t coincidence that Tory rolled into town behind Greg Sorbara, Minister of Finance. But at the same time, Vrebosh says every time Tory appears the area sees money from the Liberals.

“The man comes in from Gravenhurst, he is in great demand, and we are fortunate that he decided to continue on up to North Bay, he’s interested in Nipissing.”

“Tory respects me as much as I respect him. He believes in balanced finance as a leader should ... and he should be leading Ontario.”

During several campaign events Vrebosh has been very vocal about not being a backbencher if he wins and the Conservatives form the government in the next election, however, cabinet posts were about the only subject Tory wasn’t willing to address today.

Tory said it was too early to start picking a cabinet as they haven’t been elected yet.

“I am looking for people who aren’t afraid to speak up and speak out in parliament.”

“I am thrilled to have Bill and his record and his history of community activity, he is well qualified,” Tory adds.

Also on hand were Mayor Vic Fedeli, Deputy Mayor Peter Chirico and Parry Sound- Muskoka PC MPP Norm Miller.