November 21, 2008
SUDBURY—The NDP’s Northern Ontario MPs and MPPs met today in Sudbury as part of a concerted effort to ensure Northern Ontario issues receive the attention they deserve in both the federal and provincial parliaments. The meeting, chaired by Ontario NDP Leader and Kenora—Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton, showcased the vastly-expanded New Democratic presence across Northern Ontario and provided a forum to develop strategies to stabilize northern industries in the face of growing economic uncertainty.
Howard Hampton says the increased NDP presence across Northern Ontario will be an asset for the region. “NDP Members have earned a reputation for getting things done. We know the challenges faced by Northern Ontario and we’ll proudly stand up for our home region. Northern Ontario residents can count on us to offer positive, practical solutions for the region’s most pressing issues, such as the economic crisis faced by our resource industries.”
Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault says that the support of the team will be a major benefit to his work. "As a new MP, it really gives me a boost of confidence to know that I have such a strong team of like-minded people standing with me and working toward the same vision. That will go a long way in getting results."
Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas says having a strong and united team around the table will move the north’s agenda forward. “Northern Ontarians overwhelming endorsed the vision of the New Democratic Party in the last election. Northerners are going to experience something they have never seen before…a unified and determined voice in Ottawa and Queen’s Park.”
Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle says New Democrats will be looking to bring together all 3 levels of government in future discussions. "Federal, provincial and municipal governments each bring a unique perspective on the issues that matter to Northerners. Decisions and action come faster when you have all 3 players at the table.”
There are now 7 federal northern New Democrats in Ottawa and 3 provincial Members at Queen's Park. This first meeting of the federal and provincial northern NDP caucuses will set the stage for further co-operation with the northern mayors, industrial players, labour and community organizations.
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Media Inquiries:
Dan O’Brien, Office of France Gélinas: 647-204-4191
