Is Dr. Roger Strasser selling us snake oil?

The following is the full text of a letter sent today by Ward One Councillor Steve Butland to Dr. Roger Strasser, dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine:

********************* January 6, 2005

Dr. R. Strasser Founding Dean and Professor Northern Ontario Medical School 935 Ramsey Lake Road 8th Floor, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6

Dear Dr. Strasser:

I write you regarding the Northern Medical School.

I was the Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie at the time of its inception and was/am a supporter of the concept and also of the fact that there will be positive impact effected by its existence.

Having stated the above, I still harbour some reservations as to Sault Ste. Marie's role in this purported pan Northern Ontario facility.

My reasons for the above were noted several years ago at the very first Mayors' meeting to discuss the initiative.

I questioned at that time the equality of the Sudbury, Thunder Bay, North Bay, Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie partnership.

I was assured that this school would be unique with the emphasis on utilizing all health facilities, in the involved communities on a proportional basis.

The main proponent of the school at that time stated emphatically that this was not to be a "bricks and mortar" facility.

The facility has become one of substantial infrastructure in two locations: Sudbury and Thunder Bay ($33,000,000) and another $160,000,000 will be expended in the development and operation of N.O.M.S. over a three-year period.

Only recently, a new logo was unveiled highlighting once again only Thunder Bay and Sudbury.

The former financial component issue is one of investment and the latter more symbolic of our exclusion.

I would ask that you outline for our Mayor and Council and the residents of Sault Ste. Marie the extent of our tangible involvement in this exciting initiative as well as the more obvious benefits accruing to our City.

Once again, I submit my strong endorsation of the school, but only wish to ensure that Sault Ste. Marie is a true partner in the initiative.

Respectfully submitted, Councillor Stephen Butland Ward One Sault Ste. Marie

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