April 28, 2014
QUEEN’S PARK – Today’s pledge from the Wynne Liberals to invest in Ring of Fire infrastructure simply isn’t credible, Ontario PC Finance Critic and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said today.
“The government has embarked over the past month on making 39 pre-election vote-buying announcements that would add at least $5.7 billion in new spending to an already ballooning debt and deficit,” Fedeli said.
“After six years of doing nothing to advance the Ring of Fire opportunity for Northerners, they’re now promising the moon without having put forward a concrete plan for developing the Ring of Fire,” stated Fedeli.
“It’s simply not believable.” Fedeli added that there is no timeline for development and no firm indication on the orientation of the transportation link.
“Again, there’s no mention of the ONTC in the Liberal announcement today. It’s very troubling especially when the Finance Minister recently told London that city’s rail expertise will be useful in the Ring of Fire.”
Fedeli also pointed out that the government has provided little information on the Ring of Fire development corporation to date, even when being repeatedly asked during Question Period.
At a time when the Province of Ontario is currently running a budget deficit of over $11 Billion, it is unclear where in the budget the promised funds will be made available, said Fedeli.
“This announcement seems to be yet another empty promise from a government that has bragged about developing the Ring of Fire for years now, but has nothing to show for it,” concluded Fedeli.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact:
Clint Thomas
Executive Assistant
(416) 325-3434 or (416) 710-1752