NDP Say New legislative committee would bring respect for the North
QUEEN’S PARK, ON – Timiskaming-Cochrane New Democrat MPP John Vanthof will table a motion in the Ontario Legislature today calling for the creation of a new legislative committee that would be made up of Northern MPPs.
“For too long, the Ontario Legislature hasn’t responded to the issues and challenges facing the North,” said Vanthof. “This new standing committee would ensure that Northern Ontario MPPs have a say on decisions affecting the North.
Under Vanthof’s proposal, MPPs from every northern riding would be a member of this new committee and would have the power to examine legislation that directly impacts northern Ontario, investigate issues of importance to northern Ontario, solicit input from citizens, and make recommendations to the legislature and government.
“Northerners feel that Queen’s Park does not listen to the issues that affect the North,” said Vanthof. “This committee would give Northerners a real voice in the decision-making at Queen’s Park.”
Vanthof noted that while the North’s natural resources are a key driver of Ontario’s economy, government decision-making often ignores the region. That’s led to job losses, skyrocketing costs, less reliable health care in many communities, and the continued disregard for First Nations’ concerns.
“I’m calling on all parties to support this new legislative committee and bring a new kind of politics that respects northern decision-making,” said Vanthof. “My motion restores respect for the North at Queen’s Park, in the hopes that our children don’t have to leave the North to find jobs and build their future somewhere else.
He added: “This northern Ontario committee will put the needs of the North first. A strong North could be the cornerstone of a better Ontario.”
The creation of a northern legislative committee was a key plank in the 2011 Ontario New Democrat platform. The motion will be debated and voted upon on March 1.
