'Liberals are long on platitudes and short on policy' - Fedeli

NEWS RELEASE

VIC FEDELI, MPP

NORTH BAY – Sunday’s Liberal leadership debate in Thunder Bay only provided further proof the Ontario Liberals don’t care about and don’t understand the North, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said today.
 
“Time and again, the Liberal candidates have supported policies of Dalton McGuinty that have proven devastating to the economy of Northern Ontario,” said Fedeli.
 
“Where were their voices when the decision was made to have a fire sale of Ontario Northland? Where were their voices when the Far North Act was passed, putting half of the North off limits to exploration? Where was their concern when 60 forestry mills were closed across the North?” Fedeli asked.
 
“On top of that, they continue to ignore other Liberal decisions they can still affect, including the closure of Northern parks and tourist centres in Northwestern Ontario, or the cancellation of the gas contract for the Thunder Bay power plant.”
 
Fedeli also noted there was a clear lack of comprehension among the seven about the needs surrounding development of the Ring of Fire mining deposit, and the role Northerners want Ontario Northland to play in supporting that project.
 
“The Liberal lack of understanding of The Ring of Fire would explain why the development’s start-up is already two years delayed,” said Fedeli, who also highlighted  the absence of ideas presented on how to kick-start growth and job creation in the North.
 
“One candidate wasn’t even aware there’s already a regional development agency to support business in Northern Ontario!” remarked Fedeli.
 
“Northerners see right through this charade,” Fedeli added. “These Liberals are long on platitudes and short on policy, and nowhere is this more obvious than when it comes to Northern Ontario.

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