Sault PCs urged to co-operate with Alliance

Sault Ste. Marie's Progressive Conservatives need to co-operate on a local level with the Canadian Alliance to win the next federal election, Northern Ontario-born leadership candidate Jim Prentice told local PCs last night.

Speaking to a dozen party faithful at the Waterfront Holiday Inn., Prentice said that the governing Liberals can be unseated in the next election with the right PC leadership and a united right.

"We must work with the Alliance on a local level in a spirit of co-operation and respect, because winning the next election is our top priority."

On another issue, Prentice emphasized a need to refocus on primary industries such as forestry, energy and mining.

"There are diamond mines richer than the world's richest mines right here in Northern Ontario, but those mines won't produce diamonds for another 15 years because of legal red tape. That has to change."

"The new economy is great, and should be used to its greatest advantage, but we need to get back to a point where Canada and Canadians are known around the world for our expertise in primary industry again."

Prentice, who was born in South Porcupine, will seek his party's nod at a federal leadership convention to be held in Toronto from May 31 to June 2, 2003.

To visit Prentice's website, please click here.