Stakeholder talks open on ONTC – by Liz Cowan (Northern Ontario Business – March 26, 2013)

Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North.

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle delivers the government’s message on the ONTC to the media, March 25 in North Bay, while members of his special advisory committee look on.
A year and two days later after the provincial government’s controversial decision to sell off the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), regional stakeholders were finally given a chance to provide input.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle met with a new ONTC advisory committee of political, industry and First Nations representatives in North Bay, March 25.

“All the members have provided ideas to help the government’s decision on the ONTC divestment and are helping us move to a more sustainable telecommunications and transportation system for the North,” he said. “This is clearly a very important issue here for us, and I deeply value the opinions, viewpoints and the experience of all the committee members.”

On March 23, 2012, Liberal MPP Rick Bartolucci, who was then minister of Northern Development and Mines, announced the surprise divestment of the North Bay-headquartered Crown agency from his home riding in Sudbury. It caused an uproar from unionized workers and community leaders across northeastern Ontario.

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ONTC talks on track – by Benjamin Aubé (Timmins Daily Press – March 26, 2013)

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – Just a few minutes out a first meeting regarding the future and privatization of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren was being optimistic about the talks.

Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle, met with various industry players and municipal leaders in North Bay on Monday. Talks surrounded on involving the North in the process that has seen the ONTC become available for sale to private investors.

“We had a very open dialogue, he took a lot of questions,” said Laughren about Monday’s discussions with Gravelle. “A lot of people there wanted to know why they’re there and what the fit is.

“We don’t want to meet today, and four months from now find out that something else is happening here. If we’re going to be part of this committee, then this committee has to be one that listens, and there’s got to be some reaction to some of the ideas and suggestions that are being brought up by this advisory group, and he was all good with all of that.”

Since the Liberal government announced plans to privatize the various factions of ONTV service in March 2012, passenger rail service to the North has been discontinued.

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ONTC talks include Northern leaders – by Wayne Snider(Timmins Daily Press – March 22, 2013)

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – Northern leaders will have the chance to provide input into the privatization of the ONTC.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle announced Thursday the formation of an advisory committee to provide the provincial government with input into the divestment process of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

“I made a commitment to set up this Ministerial Advisory Committee to ensure the voices of Northerners and all those impacted by the divestment of ONTC were heard,” Gravelle said in a press release.

“The advisory committee has also been established to meet the standard our government has set out: To see that divestment recognizes the economic development value of the ONTC, and that the decisions made reflect the need to put in place a Northern transportation strategy that recognizes growth and prosperity.”

The divestment of the provincially owned ONTC was announced on March 23, 2012. The move sparked protests across Northeastern Ontario. The Northlander passenger rail service was shut down in September. Freight rail and Ontera, the telecommunications arm of the ONTC, are still in line for privatization.

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VIC FEDELI NEWS RELEASE: WYNNE TO CONTINUE ONTC FIRE SALE

QUEEN’S PARK – The Premier has confirmed in writing that the McGuinty-Wynne Liberals plan to continue their fire sale of Ontario Northland, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said today.

In a letter to Fedeli dated March 14, 2013, Wynne writes “the ONTC divestment process will continue.”

“Despite the fact I have shown the government that there are no savings to be realized through their fire sale, and despite having the New Deal alternative on the table, the Liberals plan to forge ahead with their fire sale,” Fedeli said.

The letter also contains other signals that Ontario Northland is not a priority for the Liberals.

“The Premier mentions a pan-Northern and rural transportation strategy, but doesn’t specify that Ontario Northland will be part of that,” Fedeli said.

“She also indicates plans to push forward with the Liberals’ Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, which has never included the ONTC,” Fedeli added.

“The Liberals are once again prepared to say one thing to Northerners, and then do another. They’re not fooling anyone.”

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Auditor to probe ONTC sale – by Gord Young (North Bay Nugget – March 6, 2013)

http://www.nugget.ca/

Ontario’s auditor general will conduct an investigation of the Liberal government’s predicted savings from the divestment of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli announced Wednesday that the Standing Committee on Public Accounts has voted to approve a motion directing the auditor to probe Liberal financial claims regarding the ONTC.

“This is a game changer,” said Fedeli. “We will now have an independent opinion as to whether the government is being honest when it claims it will see large savings through the sale of the ONTC.”

In light of the investigation, Fedeli said he is hopeful the Liberal government will “hit the pause button” on the divestment process pending the outcome, suggesting there is now a moral obligation to do so.

But there was no such commitment from Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle in a statement issued later in the day.

“Our government remains committed to a divestment process that makes sense and facilitates community involvement,” said Gravelle. “We will take our time to do it right; to ensure a sustainable transportation system for Northern Ontario and to get the best value for Ontarians.”

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Future is with rails, not cars – by John R. Hunt (North Bay Nugget – March 5, 2013)

http://www.nugget.ca/

NORTH BAY – The battle to save the ONR continues. It is too important to leave it to all the well-meaning politicians and municipal leaders. The people must do their part.

So, do not throw away Monday’s Nugget. If southern Ontario’s blockheads, politicians and people are to be convinced, then everyone must get into the act. Check Monday’s paper and you will see that Maria Calabrese has written an article full of dynamite stuff that should convince many in southern Ontario to think again. It includes research and facts. This article could be the basis for an effective campaign to change southern thinking. Various municipal leaders and politicians are fighting to save the ONR. The best proposal is to create a port authority. It has to be sold and there is little evidence that these distinguished citizens could sell a hamburg to a starving man. It is up to the people.

Look at Calabrese’s article. She interviewed Linda Savory-Gordon, a professor of community development at Algoma University. Too many dismiss professors as idealistic eggheads. Savory-Gordon is concerned with human development and survival.

Most important, the article contains dynamite facts. Calabrese quotes an engineering company which has studied the costs.

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Fedeli ‘disappointed’ [Ontario Speech From the Throne] – by Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles (February 20, 2013)

http://www.nugget.ca/

Northern Ontario was only given passing reference in the 17 pages of Tuesday’s Throne Speech, says Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.

“I’m very disappointed. There can’t be anyone in Northern Ontario that is happy with a half sentence in 17 pages,” he said Tuesday afternoon following the speech.

“I would have liked to hear specifics about the ONTC. Maybe that they’ve realized they’ve made mistakes, will hit the pause button and do a strategic review of all assets.” Fedeli said he also wanted to hear the government promise to keep rail freight in public hands.

“That would have changed the scope of Northern Ontario,” he said. “It’s very frustrating.” Transportation needs in the North and improving transportation to the Ring of Fire in Northwestern Ontario were among a list of priorities in Tuesday’s Throne Speech.

However, what that means for the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission remains unknown. Fedeli said the Throne Speech was a real opportunity to acknowledge the government is on the wrong track. Instead, he said it sounded very familiar – like former Premier Dalton McGuinty.

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ONTC future won’t change with Gravelle – by Bruce Cowan (North Bay Nugget – February 16, 2013)

http://www.nugget.ca/

NORTH BAY – Any measured sense of optimism with the appointment, or re-appointment, of Michael Gravelle as Premier Kathleen Wynne’s new Minister of Northern Development and Mines was pretty much dashed this week.

Gravelle told Nugget reporter Gord Young the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission divestment process will continue and there will be no dramatic shift in direction.

While he did leave the door open to “significant community input into that process,” it’s a little late for that. What’s really left to be said? The process is fairly advanced.

Requests for proposals for Ontera are expected to be submitted and considered this spring. The Northlander is no longer running. Proponents of the New Deal will likely try to get an audience with the minister as soon as possible to push their idea of a port authority. Gravelle is known for being a good listener and he’s called for “dialogue” but, in the political scheme of things that is the Liberal stronghold in the GTA, the ONTC is not on the radar. Wynne has far more pressing southern Ontario issues to deal with if she hopes to retain power.

It’s true the governing Liberals can change their minds at any time. They did so in grandiose fashion when they changed gas plant locations in southern Ontario to secure a seat in the last provincial election. But what’s the advantage to do that here?

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Gravelle wants dialogue – by Gord Young (North Bay Nugget – February 13, 2013)

http://www.nugget.ca/

NORTH BAY – Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle ruled out any dramatic change of course Wednesday in the divestment of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

“I think it’s fair to say that the ONTC divestment process will be continuing . . . in a way that makes sense. And I think we feel there needs to be significant community input into that process,” said Gravelle, the longtime MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, who was given a cabinet seat earlier this week in Premier Kathleen Wynne’s government.

Gravelle, formally Minister of Natural Resources was re-appointed by Wynne Monday to the Northern Development and Mines portfolio – a position he held for four years after he was appointed to cabinet for the first time in 2007.

Only about 48 hours into the job, Gravelle said in a telephone interview Wednesday he wants dialogue and is trying not to draw any lines in the sand when it comes to the issue of divestment. But Gravelle also indicated he doesn’t want to pretend there’s going to be a dramatic shift in direction.

“I think there is a real legitimacy to the decision for the divestment process to take place. It’s a question of how it’s done, in a fashion that still takes advantage of the economic opportunities of the ONTC,” he said, noting the ONTC is among a number of issues he plans on discussing with municipalities.

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Wynne raises hope for [northern] dialogue – by Gord Young (North Bay Nugget – January 27, 2013)

http://www.nugget.ca/

There’s renewed hope the concerns of Northern communities will be heard now that Kathleen Wynne has been named Ontario’s next premier.

Wynne’s victory Saturday as leader of the Ontario Liberal party was greeted mostly positively but cautiously by local officials who are counting on the incoming premier to listen and understand the needs of the North.

“I respect her as a leader and as a person,” said North Bay Mayor Al McDonald, who is anticipating a better relationship between Northern Ontario and the province with Wynne at the helm. “I’m looking forward to working with her.”

Long-standing Northern concerns of being ignored and misunderstood at Queen’s Park have been exacerbated by recent decisions such as the divestment of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission, which came without consultation.

But McDonald is hopeful that will change. He said he met with Wynne to discuss concerns such as the ONTC divestment and proposed consolidation of hydro utilities during a campaign stop in the city two weeks ago. And although she didn’t make any promises, McDonald was encouraged by Wynne and her willingness to listen.

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North Bay Chamber hears ONTC optimism – by Rob Learn (North Bay Nipissing.com – January, 17, 2013)

http://www.northbaynipissing.com/

NORTH BAY – Despite the gloom of the past 10 months around the future of Ontario Northland, the North Bay Chamber of Commerce heard an optimistic message.

Speaking at the Chamber’s regular Thursday, Jan. 10, meeting, a delegation working towards a new federal ownership model told the members they believe their proposal is the most viable so far.

“We’ve asked Minister (of Transportation Bob) Chiarelli, (Rick) Bartolucci (Minister of Northern Development and Mines), ‘Where’s the analysis you’ve done that shows the private sector does this better and that there isn’t any interest in the ONR as a whole?’ There hasn’t been a response, ” said Roy Hains.

Hains is the CEO of the fledgling Lower James Bay Lowlands Port Authority, started just months ago to assume, retain and develop the assets of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

“When you have something this big, this large and this long the private sector tends to looks at it for a year, if not a quarter,” said Hains, adding government ownership of assets like this have proven more stable and sustainable.

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‘Rugged’ first year as MPP [Vic Fedeli Northern Ontario issues] – by Gord Young (North Bay Nugget – December 29, 2012)

http://www.nugget.ca/

The ongoing saga of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission will remain this riding’s top issue in the new year, says Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.

In a year-end interview, Fedeli said he believes rail will likely be the next division to be sold after Ontera, the ONTC’s telecommunications division.

“I think they’re scrambling to sell Ontera as quickly as possible,” said Fedeli, noting the provincial Conservatives have called for the rail freight division to remain public, plus a strategic review of the remainder of the Crown agency.

A request for proposals was issued Dec. 17 for the purchase of Ontera to firms that pre-qualified as potential buyers in October; and the province has said the successful bidder will be announced in the spring. The province has also indicated it hopes to complete rest of the divestment process by spring as well.

Fedeli said it’s difficult to say what the strategic review his party has promised would involve because it’s unclear what ONTC assets will be left by the time there’s a provincial election.

He said the Conservatives would also move the ONTC from under the Ministry of Northern Development to the Ministry of Transportation. In addition, Fedeli said he signed a petition supporting the proposed New Deal to revitalize the ONTC involving the creation of federal ports authority because it involves keeping the rail freight division in public hands, as well as the transporting of ore from the Ring of Fire chromite find in the James Bay area via rail.

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[ONTC Railway] New Deal tops priority list – by Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles (North Bay Nugget – December 28, 2012)

http://www.nugget.ca/

Advancing a proposed New Deal to revitalize the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission is Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Jay Aspin’s top priority heading into 2013.

“It’s got to move ahead . . . everybody has got to get behind this – everybody,” said Aspin, suggesting the ONTC and its assets are too important to be piece-mealed or lost altogether.

Aspin has thrown his support behind the General Chairperson’s Association’s proposal which calls for the transfer of ONTC assets to a new ports authority. And he has been helping the group, which represents unionized workers at the ONTC, gain support for the plan.

But Aspin said his role will also be to advocate for approval in the House of Commons to make the James Bay and Lowlands Port Authority a reality once the application is to the federal government has been completed.

The plan, which also requires provincial approval, includes establishing a rail line rather than a road to ship thousands of tons per day of chromite, nickel and other materials from the Ring of Fire site.

In a year-end interview Thursday, Aspin said the next item on his priority list is to make way for the arrival of the North Bay Battalion hockey team by securing a federal contribution toward the $12-million in renovations at Memorial Gardens.

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NEWS RELEASE: Support Builds for New Deal to Revitalize Ontario Northland, Connect Ring of Fire

 • More stakeholders demand government pause its ONTC sell-off plan

• New website launches today to support the New Deal

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO (Dec. 17, 2012) – The New Deal for Northern Ontario www.newdealnorth.ca), an initiative to revitalize the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), build a rail link to the Ring of Fire and create thousands of new jobs, has expanded its base of support among key stakeholders.

Liberal leadership candidate Harinder Takhar recently issued a policy statement calling for “Divestiture of the ONTC to an independent, self-sustaining organization, and the development of a new rail line for the ‘Ring of Fire’ operations.”

Takhar’s statement is closely aligned with the New Deal plan to transfer ownership of provincially-held ONTC’s railroad and other assets to a new ports authority to be operated under the Canada Marine Act. ONTC operations will be strengthened, and a new rail line to the Ring of Fire mineral deposits will be developed to ship chromite, nickel and other minerals and finished products to markets around the world.

MPP Glen Murray, another Liberal leadership candidate, has called on the government to “pause” its plan to divest the ONTC, while Gerard Kennedy is seeking a “review” of the sell-off decision and further examination of ONTC’s potential role in developing the Ring of Fire mineral deposits.

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Plea for ONTC likely to fall on deaf ears – by Wayne Snider (Timmins Daily Press – November 27, 2012)

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – It is one thing for the provincial government to ignore the constant pleas from municipal leaders and opposition MPPs on an issue, but it is a whole new ball game when it disregards the needs of industry.

At Timmins council Monday night, Tom Semadeni asked the city to “help us in terms of lobby efforts” to make sure freight rail service is continued in Northeastern Ontario in the wake of Queen’s Park’s ongoing sell-off of the Ontario Northland Transportation Corporation. Semadeni is the general manager of Kidd Operations in Timmins for Xstrata Copper.

Semadeni told council the divestiture of the ONTC could create possible challenges for the mining company in the future. He said trucking material would be more costly than freight rail and cause more damage to the roads.

The concerns raised by Xstrata echo comments raised by Northern leaders – from mayors and councils across the region to MPPs like Gilles Bisson (NDP – Timmins-James Bay) – since the sell-off was announced in the spring.

Clearly, the mining industry is waving a red flag to warn the provincial government about the effect the sell-off will have on industry in the region.

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