'We want a new deal for ONTC,' Strang

North Bay and Area Chamber of Commerce
News Release

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Today is the day that the Northlander is to cease operations, while the provincial government divests the ONTC. Once again, President Strang stated “this government is making this a political decision rather than what is in the best interest of the constituents and in particular the lives and well-being of many families in northeastern Ontario, is arrogant and short-sighted.”

While the provincial government spends billions of dollars on debacles such as e-Health, the LHINs, Ornge and power plants, they are further complicating the issue that their actions have shaken the very economic fibre of the northeastern region and destroyed any trust the constituents had in the liberal provincial government.

The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission wants a new deal, as it is an essential service in the north, yet the politicians make unilateral decisions that are politically driven; however the provincial liberals should be reminded that while the northeast chose to elect parties different from theirs in the last election, there were numerous constituents that also voted for a liberal government but yet were not the majority in those ridings. As such the elected government should work as a whole and make appropriate decisions and provide solid solutions for the constituents of this province as northern Ontario is a large part of the economy with resources and people that can once again make Ontario great.

President Strang stated “it is unfortunate that one Ministry can make a decision that will impact so many lives in the northeast region”. We join today with the communities, constituents, stakeholders, municipal leaders, management and the employees of ONTC, to say “We want our train back now!”

“We want a new deal for ONTC!”

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