What's fair for Nortel pensioners is not fair for forestry workers: Hampton

 
Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton wants "pension fairness" for AbitibiBowater workers and retirees in northwestern Ontario.

Citing the McGuinty government's willingness to commit $200 million to bail out Nortel's pension plan, Hampton wants the same consideration given to 2,500 company workers and 5,000 retirees.

"Many of these workers have worked for AbitibiBowater for 30 to 40 years and have contributed to their pension plan," said Howard during Question Period at Queen's Park, Feb. 22. "They were told that their pension plan is a sacred trust beyond financial or political manipulation."

Education Minister Leona Dombrowsky responded stating there needs to be a "national response" from the federal government. "Many of the companies are companies that have operations, not just in Ontario, but in other provinces."