The end of an era
Friday, September 28, 2012 by: SooToday.com Staff
NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO NEW
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
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End of an era: NDP MPPs mourn the Northlander
NORTHBAY - Today marks the final run of the ONTC’s historic Northlander train, a vital transportation artery for much of northern Ontario.
Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof boarded the final northbound train from Toronto to Cochrane to protest the cancellation.
He was joined at Union Station by Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson.
“I’m still stunned at the short sightedness of this decision,” said Vanthof. “The Liberal government is shuttering the ONTC to save a few dollars, while they waste millions of dollars buying seats in the GTA. Once again, northerners are being left out in the cold. The fact that they won’t even maintain service through the Thanksgiving weekend just speaks to their total indifference to the North.”
Citing the cost of subsidising fares on ONTC routes, the government recently began the process of shutting down the ONTC and selling off associated assets.
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha will meet up with the Northlander at its North Bay stop, to join Vanthof in protesting the cuts.
“This government is willing to jeopardise the future of the North by gutting our infrastructure. The harm this will do to the North in the years to come will outstrip any savings by a huge amount,” said Mantha.
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus joined Vanthof on the train for the trip to Cochrane.
"The killing of the Northlander sends a message that there's two Ontario's - one that counts and one that doesn't. New Democrats disagree,” said Angus. “We believe in the people of the North. We believe in sustainable communities and we believe that public transit and the train is worth fighting for."
“With the amount of money McGuinty has squandered on the Mississauga and Oakville gas plant scandal, they could have run the ONTC as is for another 18 years,” explained Vanthof. “Wasting tens of millions of dollars on election promises while they shut down the Northlander is just rubbing salt on the wound.”
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learningaswego 9/28/2012 1:39:02 PM ReportAnd good riddance to another outrageous cost vs benefit, never-ending sinkhole of taxpayers' money.
Sam C 9/28/2012 1:48:41 PM Reportlearning... you might not feel that way if it was you and your family left without viable transportation.
Truck 9/28/2012 1:54:22 PM ReportLearning....
I wonder if the communities that depend on that train feel the same as you??? Doubtful!!
Dreamer 9/28/2012 2:04:30 PM ReportThats the Liberal attitude Learning.
Thinking of jus yourself ;(
learningaswego 9/28/2012 2:04:42 PM ReportSince when are they "left without viable transportation"? Since never.
If you have no problem - as a taxpayer - paying thousands of dollars to transport each one person a couple hundred km, when in the rest of the country it costs a fraction of that, then go ahead and throw as much of YOUR money at it as you want.
Glenave 9/28/2012 2:17:20 PM ReportWith a handle like "learning as we go", he must be an avid Liberal supporter. I guess he thinks that the ONR is responsible for the 15 billion deficit that this government has been running for years!
learningaswego 9/28/2012 2:22:30 PM ReportSo, I guess there's no limit to how much taxpayers should pay, for a person who CHOOSES to live in a remote community, to get transportation somewhere? How about "we" (taxpayers of Ontario) buy each person on the route a car? - would probably be infinitely cheaper.
Dictionary 9/28/2012 4:08:23 PM Reporta slap in the face to northern communities, but as suggested, incredibly short-sighted as development increases in the north.
radar 9/28/2012 6:40:03 PM ReportShort sightedness on the part of all Governments of Ontario over the years including that of the Federal Government in the way of grant monies.
Northern Ontario has less transportation facilities now than it had 45 years ago.
At Least when the C.N. & C.P. looked after the Passenger Rail Services for Northern Ontario- they did so with a somewhat "caring" way compared to what VIA RAIL has provided over the years.
Ask the people of Chapleau, Ontario what they think of the transportation services serving that area- with no bus service in or out of town.
Badatt 9/28/2012 7:58:36 PM ReportJust one more lie from our "Dalton Mcliar". He would sell his mother out to make friends in Southern Ontario. He could not tell the truth if it was written ona napkin for him.
Note: Comments that appear on the site are not the opinion of SooToday.com. Keep discussions civil and on topic. Refrain from obscenity and don't post anything that your grandmother would be ashamed to read. Those who do not abide by these guidelines will have their membership revoked without notice. If you see an abusive post, please click the link beside the post to report it.
