Northern Ontario Politics – Page 19

ONTC divestment could be costly for communities – by Lenny Carpenter (Wawatay News – July 18, 2013)

July 19, 2013

The Ontario government’s plans to sell off services of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) could lead to higher costs for members of the James Bay communities, according to Mushkegowuk Deputy Grand Chief Leo Friday.

Last year, the province announced it would be divesting the government-owned transportation commission after citing stagnant ridership and increasing costs to its bus and train services that operate mostly in northeastern Ontario.

One of those services in the Polar Bear Express train, which runs between Moosonee and Cochrane and serves as a vital link between the James Bay coast and the rest of Ontario.

Since 2003, the province increased funding by 274 per cent to subsidize the Polar Bear Express, a subsidy that averages to about $400 per passenger. If the province continues with its divestment plan to sell the train services to a private corporation, Friday believes the people of James Bay will face the most financial impact.

“The minute the other company operates that train, they will jack up the rates and it’s not going to run every day – maybe once or twice a week because of the cutbacks,” Friday said.

[Ring of Fire] Jurisdictional juggling – Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal Editorial (July 18, 2013)

July 18, 2013

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

SOMETHING said in the wake of Monday’s federal cabinet shuffle raises concern about jurisdictional squabbling in advance of what is perhaps Northern Ontario’s greatest opportunity.

Greg Rickford, newly installed as minister of state for FedNor, the government’s Northern Ontario development agency, spoke convincingly about what lies ahead for the region economically. He said Ottawa will do what it can to help create the opportunities that will mean jobs.

In particular, he was effusive about the Ring of Fire mineral belt that holds such immense promise. But in the same breath as he pledged federal support Rickford said the province must play its role.

For his part, Ontario mines minister Michael Gravelle qualified his warm welcome for Rickford’s assignment by saying, “There is a very significant role the federal government can and must play with this project.”

That both men, who must work together to ensure this economic bonanza remains on track, felt obliged to place the other on notice in this way suggests that both levels of government are expecting more of the other than has so far been apparent.

Minister Michael Gravelle Energized [for Ring of Fire] – by Jame Murray (Netnewsledger.com – July 17, 2013)

July 17, 2013

http://www.netnewsledger.com/

THUNDER BAY – Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle is energized. The Thunder Bay Superior North MPP has completed his treatment cycle fighting cancer. Minister Gravelle is feeling thankful that throughout his treatment, his energy level stayed high and he was able to keep working.

There are important issues, especially with the Ring of Fire that have taken a lot of attention from Gravelle. One of his tasks sounds simple. “Getting the right balance”.

Minister Michael Gravelle – Getting it right

However that task means bringing together the province and the federal government and First Nations. Back in May, Gravelle shares in an interview with NetNewsLedger there was a historic meeting with Matawa First Nations, Premier Wynne and his ministry. “There had been no similar meeting for over forty years,” shares the Minister. There had been both formal and informal talks, but not a formal meeting like that.

Gravelle states that “Cliffs Natural Resources and Noront Resources are both seeing the importance of engaging with First Nations, and getting this done right”. The Minister also is looking forward to a larger role from the federal government in the Ring of Fire.

Fedeli provides new documents – by Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles (North Bay Nugget – July 16, 2013)

July 17, 2013

http://www.nugget.ca/

This is an aerial view of Ontario Northland Railway yards in North Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli provided new documents to Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk to consider in her special report on the sale of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

Fedeli said the Auditor General’s report is expected to be released by the end of this summer.

“Ministry of Finance documents from January of this year that I’ve unearthed through the Justice Committee’s investigation into the gas plant scandal prove what I’ve maintained from day one – that the Liberal fire sale will achieve no savings,” he said Tuesday.

“In fact, it could cost Ontario taxpayers $1 billion more than the Liberals said it would in their budget last year.” Fedeli said the government was steadfast is telling the public the sale of the ONTC would save taxpayers $260 million. “They weren’t listening to us, but their numbers were wrong,” he said. “We asked the Auditor General to get involved and prove who is right.

“There’s no hesitation, our numbers are right. I wanna ask how can this government go through with this sale? The budget will have to be changed and why would a party sell something to lose a billion dollars?”

Rickford has high hopes for Ring of Fire – by Carl Clutchey (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – July 17, 2013)

July 17, 2013

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

Bumps in the road regarding the Ring of Fire mining belt are not a sign the project is hitting a dead-end, says newly-minted FedNor Minister Greg Rickford.

Rickford, who spent his first day Tuesday as the head of FedNor as well as Science and Technology minister poring through background material, is also the federal government’s new point-man for the Ring of Fire file.

He said recent events like Ring of Fire proponent Cliffs Natural Resources airing its frustration over the environmental approval process are normal. “So I don’t see the project as stalling, it’s just one of the necessary movements that are going to take place,” said Rickford. “It also reminds us that this is a very complex file.”

Rickford (Kenora) said that while he plans to bring a “fresh perspective” to FedNor, he said the program was well-served by his predecessor, Industry Canada Minister Tony Clement.

Critics, like NDP MP John Rafferty, said FedNor wasn’t a high priority for Clement, who was also saddled with being Treasury Board president.

Rickford Ready for Ring of Fire – by James Murray (Netnewsledger.com – July 15, 2013)

July 16, 2013

http://www.netnewsledger.com/

OTTAWA – Greg Rickford says that his Blackberry has been “radio active today”. The new Minister of State for Science and Technology has been busy all day since being sworn in this morning in his new position in the Conservative Government. In an interview with NetNewsLedger, Rickford comments that the process has been exciting, however for the past week since he was informed is was a little cloak and dagger to keep out of the public eye and maintain the secrecy of cabinet building for Prime Minister Harper.

Ring of Fire Responsibilities in Rickford’s Camp

While Tony Clement remains the Senior Minister for Northern Ontario, Rickford confirms that he has responsibility for the Ring of Fire. Rickford’s experience in Northern Ontario where he has been working in the medical field as well as Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs should serve him well there.

Rickford is now not only responsible for Science and Technology, a portfolio that reportedly has had the Prime Minister looking to gather greater scope, but in addition is the Minister responsible for FedNor.

“In following Minister Tony Clement, I realize I have some big shoes to fill, and I am looking forward to the challenge, but also with working closer with Minister Clement,” stated Rickford.

Rickford [Ring of Fire/FedNor] appointment draws praise – by Carl Clutchey (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – July 16, 2013)

July 16, 2013

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

Friends and foes alike of the federal Conservatives are hoping that a re-focused FedNor agency under Tory MP Greg Rickford will be a boon for some large-scale Northwestern Ontario economic development projects like the Ring of Fire. Rickford, 46, who is from Kenora, was put in charge of FedNor Monday in a cabinet shuffle that also made him Science and Technology minister.

A Northerner hasn’t headed the FedNor file since 2005, when former Liberal MP Joe Comuzzi was the agency’s minister.
“I’m just ecstatic about it,” said Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs. “A lot can get accomplished in two years (before the next federal election).”

“I know (Rickford) was champing at the bit to get into cabinet, and I think he’s going to be a great guy for the job,” added Hobbs, who is a personal friend of Rickford. Though Rickford represents the riding of Kenora, “I’ve always considered him an MP for Thunder Bay,” said Hobbs.

NDP MP John Rafferty (Thunder Bay-Rainy River) said it’s a good thing to have a Northerner in charge of an agency (FedNor) that is devoted to Northern projects. According to Rafferty, FedNor was neglected under Industry Minister Tony Clement “who did not consider FedNor as one of his top priorities.”

Conservative Shuffle A Fresh Start – by James Murray (Netnewsledger.com – July 15, 2013)

July 15, 2013

http://www.netnewsledger.com/

THUNDER BAY – Prime Minister Harper has shuffled his cabinet. The move offers a fresh start for the Conservative government which has been mired in recent months. “These changes to the Ministry feature both younger Members of Parliament ready for new opportunities, and steady hands that will continue to deliver strong leadership in key portfolios. In particular, I am proud to welcome four new strong and capable women to the Cabinet table,” stated the Prime Minister in announcing his new cabinet. There are four more women into cabinet, and four new men who will now sit at the cabinet table.

The Conservatives are going to seek to put a new face on the government. It is needed. Over the past two years, the Conservatives have started to show their age, and some of the expected exhaustion that the stresses of the job of Minister entail.

Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs states, “I am ecstatic at hearing the news that MP Rickford is Minister of Fednor and point person for the Ring of Fire. Minister Rickford is a good personal friend and also knows well the North and Northwest. I look forward to working closely with Greg on issues affecting Thunder Bay and area”.

While however, there are several major shifts, Peter MacKay is now the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and Jason Kenney is now the Minister of Public Works. Many of the front bench members remain.

Opposition critic Norm Miller says government policies hinder mining – by Greg Klein (Resource Clips – July 12, 2013)

July 15, 2013

http://resourceclips.com/

Ontario: A partisan view

Is Ontario’s Liberal government out of touch with the exploration and mining sector? Certainly there’s been widespread criticism from a range of sources. Early-stage explorers say they’re unfairly burdened by new regulations. A formidable entity like Cliffs Natural Resources took shots at the province when suspending the Ring of Fire’s largest project. Most recently, Northern Graphite TSXV:NGC CEO Gregory Bowes said bureaucratic delays put his company at a competitive disadvantage. On July 12 ResourceClips.com spoke with an admittedly partisan source, Norm Miller, the Ontario Progressive Conservatives’ official opposition critic for Northern Development and Mines.

As a mining jurisdiction, Ontario once held first place in the Fraser Institute survey, Miller says—conveniently for him, when his party was in power and current leader Tim Hudak was minister of Northern Development and Mines. Now the province ranks 16th, down from 13th last year. “I think the delays Northern Graphite faces are part of the reason,” he says.

He’s heard this from other companies. The privately held Ontario Graphite, which says it plans to start mining in Q4, is located in Miller’s riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka. “They had similar challenges getting their permits and it was getting critical for them at one point,” he says. “They came to me as their MPP to try to speed the process up.”

How will Northern [Ontario] Policy Institute make a difference? – Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal Editorial (July 8, 2013)

July 9, 2013

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

Two former White House policy wonks who specialize in budgets wrote recently that they were “flabbergasted by how blindly” governments spend money. Their analysis showed that often in government very little time is devoted to finding out if programs actually work or accomplish anything.

Surprised? Well, here’s what Peter Orszag and John Bridgeland have to say in this month’s Atlantic magazine: “Less than $1 out of every $100 is backed by even the most basic evidence that the money is being spent wisely.”

Which us brings to Ontario’s newly-created Northern Policy Institute, which announced last week the appointment of a Halifax-based policy wonk as its first president. The hiring of Charles Cirtwill, an experienced analyst with degrees in public administration and law, promises to bring a fresh perspective to the well-known structural problems that hinder the North’s economy.

NPI, which is getting off the ground with a $5-million provincial stipend, is to have offices at Thunder Bay’s Lakehead University and Sudbury’s Laurentian. Cirtwill starts his new position in September.

Hail to the New Province of ‘Noront’ [Northern Ontario separation] – by Joe Lascelles (Highgrader – Summer 2013)

June 26, 2013

http://www.highgradermagazine.com/

HighGrader Magazine is committed to serve the interests of northerners by bringing the issues, concerns and culture of the north to the world through the writings and art of award-winning journalists as well as talented freelance artists, writers and photographers.

Having been raped, robbed, screwed over from the beginning of Confederation, the Northern region of Ontario has had enough and we will not take it anymore. We will no longer let those feudal lords (Southern Ontario politicians) dictate how much they will leave Northerners to eat as they carry away our resources, all to fatten the coffers and the members of Government, to be spent almost exclusively in Southern Ontario.

For years, decisions for Northern Ontario have been made in Toronto by Southern politicians who, it might be said, have not bothered to even come to see how we live, see what we do for entertainment and how deep and numerous our potholes are. Southern Ontarians take as truth the Stompin’ Tom Connors ditty that Sudbury women play Bingo and the men all get stinko on a Sudbury Saturday night.

For all they think of us, most Northerners now have oil stoves to heat up our igloos. We can now cook up our seal blubber before eating it. Timmins? That’s really the North Pole isn’t it? Cochrane? Oh yes, they know something of Cochrane because they have polar bears roaming around the Esquimo village.

Higher expectations [for Ring of Fire] – by Jeff Labine (tbnewswatch.com – June 21, 2013)

June 21, 2013

http://www.tbnewswatch.com/

Ontario has hired a secretariat for the lead negotiator of the Ring of Fire, even though the province still doesn’t actually have a lead negotiator.

Christine Kaszycki took on the job of being province’s Ring of Fire secretariat back in 2010. Since then, Matawa First Nation engaged former MP Bob Rae to act as a mediator with the province during the negotiations.

Rae announced that he would be retiring from politics in order to focus on his responsibilities as Matawa’s Ring of Fire negotiator.

MPP Bill Mauro (Lib. Thunder Bay – Atikokan) said Rae stepping down has put more pressure on the province to find its lead negotiator. “It certainly heightened expectations,” he said. “There’s a commitment from the province that we appoint someone as well who can have a similar role.”

Mauro said the negotiator wouldn’t just work with Matawa, but with all areas impacted by the Ring of Fire development. That includes the private interests. While the secretariat does negotiate, Mauro said there are high expectations for the province to do more and to have more focused approached.

Politis lobbying for Spring Bear Hunt return – by Benjamin Aubé (Timmins Daily Press – June 21, 2013)

June 21, 2013

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – Another week, another close-call with a curious black bear. A woman in Sudbury was among the latest to report such an encounter this week, rushing the children she was watching over indoors after spotting a stray bear cub roaming the neighbourhood.

It has become a theme in cities across Northern Ontario for a number of years. Many are pointing to the Ontario government’s 1999 cancellation of the Spring Bear Hunt, saying it’s no coincidence bear sightings within city limits seem to keep increasing more than a decade later.

Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis, the Progressive Conservative candidate for Temiskaming-Cochrane riding in the next provincial election, spoke to The Daily Press about the issue. He said something needs to be done soon.

“I’ve been doing a lobby effort to change the way wildlife is managed here in the area, particularly larger animals like bears, which can be fatal to people,” said Politis. “The Spring Bear Hunt is definitely part of that.

“It’s a part of the problem, I really believe that. It’s not the solution, and it’s not the issue causing the problem by itself, but certainly a well-managed hunt is part of creating balance in the ecosystem.

Premier open to options with ONTC – by Wayne Snider (Timmins Daily Press – June 20, 2013)

June 20, 2013

http://www.timminspress.com/

TIMMINS – Premier Kathleen Wynne says her government is open to other options surrounding the sell-off of the ONTC. She said it is important to listen to industry, municipalities and other stakeholders before a final decision is made.

During a phone interview Thursday with The Daily Press, Wynne said her government is listening to all stakeholders regarding the privatization of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission. She said this is one of the reasons a special stakeholders committee was struck with Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle at the table.

“The minister is in conversation with all of that right now. He has said quite distinctly that complete divestiture is not the only option,” Wynne said. “We need to take a step back and work with those community voices.

“One of my concerns when I was Minister of Community Affairs and Housing, when I attended the FONOM (Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities) conference a couple of years ago, I was very concerned there was not local voices in the whole discussions around the ONTC and so we’ve changed that. So that’s the work the minister is doing right now with his advisory group.”

The Premier explained the government must look at the big picture before any more parts of the ONTC are let go.

Editorial: Dousing the Ring of Fire – by John Cumming (Northern Miner – June 19, 2013)

June 20, 2013

The Northern Miner, first published in 1915, during the Cobalt Silver Rush, is considered Canada’s leading authority on the mining industry. Editor John Cumming MSc (Geol) is one of the country’s most well respected mining journalists. jcumming@northernminer.com

In these times of economic and political turmoil, boring has become the new exciting.

One of the surprises of the year that in some ways isn’t such a big shocker is Cliffs Natural Resources’ announcement this past week that it is suspending work at its $3.3-billion Black Thor chromite project in northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire camp.

The Cleveland-based iron ore and met-coal giant says it’s suspending environmental assessment (EA) activities for the project “due to delays related to the environmental assessment process, land surface rights and negotiations with the Province of Ontario.”

Cliffs goes out of its way to point out that it believes support for the project is somewhat lacking in the province, stating that “certain critical elements of the project’s future are not solely within our control and require the active support and participation by other interested parties.”

The sticking points the company lists are: delayed approval of the terms of reference for the provincial EA process; uncertainty regarding the federal EA process due to a judicial challenge by impacted First Nations; unresolved surface rights issues following a February 2013 Mining and Lands Commissioner hearing; and unfinished agreements with the Ontario government.