On Thursday, I will be once again visiting Thunder Bay, this time to address the Northern Ontario Municipalities Association (NOMA).
This will be my 16th trip to the region in the last 18 months. During that time, I have been proud to bring Northern issues to the forefront of debate at Queen’s Park.
Unfortunately, despite having two cabinet ministers from Thunder Bay, Premier Wynne’s Government has chosen to ignore the needs of the city and the region.
Let me give you some examples:
After years of government neglect, the Thunder Bay Jail’s conditions are deplorable. Your own mayor has described it as a “rat-hole.”
Northern Ontarians, already burdened with among the highest hydro rates in North America, will experience another rate increase on May 1st. I’ve heard from countless Northerners who have received bills well-over $100 despite not using any electricity.
In order to save $36-million, the Liberals awarded winter maintenance contracts to companies with poor service records – putting countless people’s lives at risk.
Despite earmarking $1-billion for development of Ring of Fire infrastructure for three consecutive budgets, the Government has yet to spend a single cent.
The Minister of Finance’s 2016 Budget speech never mentioned Northern Ontario. This slight by Minister Sousa is undoubtedly intentional. After all, this is the same Government that has held photo-ops for Northern programs in Richmond Hill.
The Ontario PCs are committed to better understanding the challenges Northern Ontario faces, and ensuring your priorities are raised in the Legislature – because this government certainly won’t.
Patrick Brown
Leader, Ontario PC Party
