Mayor Rowswell speech continued

The following is a continuation of the speech given by Mayor John Rowswell yesterday at the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities' annual conference in Kapuskasing.

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*************************** But today, they want the cheap power from the north.

Just three cents profit is 300 million, so after four years of asking for low cost power for our industries, the province is giving us back half.

Northern Ontario is sandwiched between low energy cost provinces of Quebec and Manitoba.

The ring of fire will be an opportunity but only if we are competitive.

Low cost energy is essential for our survival and we don’t control it.

Northern Ontario sits with an imbalance and the Federal Government addressess that imbalance between provinces with equalization by restoring fiscal balance.

Last year, for their first year, Ontario got 347 million.

This year 972 million, Quebec 8.5 billion and Manitoba 1.8 billion.

Where is the balance for Northern Ontario?

We are the land of the lost of Northern Ontario.

So why do I do this to you this evening?

I believe in Northern Ontario and I believe you do as well.

We are the centre that holds Canada together.

We have the power, location and future opportunities are ours.

So what are worth?

I believe we can do it, but we have to do it.

No one is going to do it for us.

It is my recommendation that an association for the development of the territory of Northern Ontario be set up and lead our interests.

Repeat, yes I am saying leave Ontario and control your own destiny.

These are just my thoughts.

Thank you for the award.

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