FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2012
TIMMINS – The North faces unique economic challenges and pressures, but this region has extraordinary and exciting potential, Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak said today during a speech to the Timmins Chamber of Commerce.
“Today, Northern Ontario has a jobs crisis,” Hudak said. “This region’s unemployment rate is nearly twelve per cent – well above the provincial average at nearly eight per cent,” Hudak said.
“Big mills and small businesses are plagued by alarming energy costs. Some have even closed their doors permanently,” Hudak added.
“The McGuinty Liberals won’t listen. They think they know what’s best for the North. They don’t understand that the North’s success can’t be driven from the special interests’ office in Toronto.”
“These same Southern Ontario special interests – with their fantasy view of what Northern living really is – have far too much say over the decisions that affect Northern business owners.”
“I have always believed that if Ontario is the engine of Confederation, then Northern Ontario is the fuel – the lumber, the minerals and the mines that power us forward. My plan builds on the region’s competitive advantages.”
Hudak, who served as Minister of Northern Development and Mines, highlighted his plan for re-igniting the North’s economy and standing up to Southern Ontario special interests, which includes:
- delivering job creating tax relief, so Northern business can keep more of their own money, reinvest in research and innovation, grow service offerings, hire more people, remain competitive and stay open;
- repealing anti-development regulations and embracing new northern frontiers. This includes scrapping the Far North Act – which has turned the North into a virtual museum – and taking full advantage of the Ring of Fire;
- modernizing the province’s outdated apprenticeship system to create 200,000 skilled trade jobs; and
- restoring Ontario’s mining and forestry industries to their rightful place as number one in Canada.
“These are responsible ideas that will create new jobs now and long-term employment in the future, Hudak said. “They make full use of the North’s skills and natural resources and will retain more wealth in this region.
“I know this because my Caucus colleagues and I met and listened to Northerners who told us so,” Hudak concluded.
For further information, contact
Sarah McMaster (416) 325-8505 | sarah.mcmaster@pc.ola.org