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ONTC supporters pack council chambers

North Bay city politicians vowed in front of an overflowing crowd to fight the provincial government's decision to sell off the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC).
Counilchamber
Council Chamber's were packed on Monday, March 26.

North Bay city politicians vowed in front of an overflowing crowd to fight the provincial government's decision to sell off the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC).

At a special meeting of council March 26, ONTC supporters filled council chambers and an adjoining lobby to capacity. A few held up signs declaring 'Ontario Northland not for sale' while others wore jackets with union crests.

“We're ready for the fight,” said one man before the meeting started, while a cell phone ring tone of a train whistle was quickly muted.

They listened as each member of council voiced their sense of betrayal and disappointment at the announcement made March 23, in Sudbury, about the divestiture of the ONTC.

“I believe I might be out of order but the (Dalton) McGuinty government has given up on Northern Ontario,” said Coun. Peter Chirico.

The decision to sell off the business lines was done with no consultation and he asked whether it was preconceived and predetermined some time ago.

“We are all here to support you. We will not take this lying down,” he said. “Council is behind you and we will fight with you.”

Coun. Mike Anthony said prior news that a strategic alliance might have been in the works with the ONTC and Metrolinx, also a provincial government agency, was positive.

“I thought the announcement (on March 23) was of that strategic alliance,” he said. “But the government can reverse this decision. It's been done in the past.”

Some members of council referred to a pledge, signed by McGuinty in 2002, that he would not privatize the ONTC.

“I was flabbergasted (March 23),” said Coun. George Maroosis. “I was there when McGuinty signed that pledge.”

Brian Kelly, chairman of the General Chairpersons' Association representing all unions at the ONTC, told council his members were devastated by the news that will have a long-term negative impact.

“It's the province's first Crown agency,” he said. “This isn't a win.”

When the announcement was made, the government cited stagnant ridership numbers but Kelly said ridership was up.

“It's a lie and not stagnant. Per capita, we move more people than VIA Rail.”

A study done in 2010, Kelly said, indicated that Ontario Northland has an estimated total economic impact of $209.4 million in the northeast. For every dollar of direct revenue produced by Ontario Northland, the value to the province as a business output multiplier is $2.61. It also has an estimated tax revenue impact of $94.7 million.

“That's an investment, not a subsidy,” Kelly said. “Why were we singled out? Why is it the only government agency to go? It is not being done in the south. Everyone should be mad as hell.”

Kelly wants the ONTC to become a stand-alone agency and to allow it to make its own decisions. Currently it is under the Ministry of Northern Devlopment and Mines.

“We need stable funding and we would be no different than Metrolinx. Get your hands off the ONTC . . . (it's) not for sale.”

North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce President John Strang said within a few hours of the

announcement, 21 of 25 directors met to discuss the situation.

“We demand equlity. Our taxation dollars subsidize southern Ontario transportation,” he said.

Following the meeting, the president told Northern Ontario Business that making the announcement in Sudbury showed “arrogance” and “flies in the face of all decency.”

“I am pissed off.”

A detailed resolution, which resolved that the ONTC is not for sale, was passed unanimously at the meeting. Ed Deibel, the founder of the Northern Ontario Heritage Party, stood up and said the resolution was not enough.

“We have been talking about these issues for 50 years. What we need is legislation so that it's not for sale today, tomorrow or next year,” he said to loud applause.

Mayor Al McDonald said he he is committed to working with all parties and to get all the stake holders together.

“Like you, I was shocked. But we require a sound plan, with a contingency, because the loss of one job is one too many. The loss of 1,000 jobs in the North would be catastrophic.”