While Kathleen Wynne will make history as the first female and openly gay premier in Ontario, the mayor says she can also do it by developing the Ring of Fire.
Keith Hobbs said the region is in good hands with Wynne at the helm. The two have met many times on many issues. The Premier designate has always shown a keen interest and understanding of Northwestern Ontario priorities. But what struck Hobbs the most is when Wynne came to the city last June to declare it a disaster after the flood. She toured the city and met with people who had been hit the hardest.
“She showed genuine care and emotion. I like that in a person,” Hobbs said. “That counts a lot for me.”
Hobbs said when the two meet again he will bring up the most important issues for the region like minig readiness, infrastructure and energy. Wynne, who has held several portfolios, is well versed in all of those areas Hobbs said.
“She has a chance to make a real name for herself, going down in history as the Premier who developed the Ring of Fire,” he said.
Wynne has been minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Municipal Affairs and Transportation, all portfolios which help her in the North and across the province.
“She’s incredibly connected with mayors and reeves across the province,” MPP Bill Mauro (Lib., Thunder Bay-Atikokan) said.
But with the Liberals battling the education sector, her time as minister there can also help with the public sector.
“She probably has a great opportunity, as good as anybody, to remake that relationship,” Mauro said.
Although Mauro’s choice for leader was Sandra Pupatello, who came second in the race this weekend, Wynne will make an incredible Premier he said. And a hard working one. The first caucus meeting is already scheduled for Tuesday.
“We’re going to hit the ground running,” he said.
MPP Michael Gravelle (Lib., Thunder Bay-Superior North), who also had Pupatello as his first choice, said it was an exciting day Saturday when Wynne took the leadership.
“She has a very substantial understanding and knowledge of Northern Ontario and particularly Northwestern Ontario,” he said.
Both MPPs say Wynne will try her best to reach out to the opposition in order to avoid an election.
“The goal is to not run right into an election. The goal is to make the legislature work,” Gravelle said.
But in a minority situation, it’s really up to the opposition whether they want to call one Mauro said.
“It’s my belief that the two opposition parties will in fact force an election,” he said. “To a large degree it’s out of our hands as Liberals.”
