UPDATED w/Video—MPP Mike Mantha Tells Legislature “Northerners Don’t Expect More But Certainly Won’t Settle For Any Less”

Written by MPP Michael Mantha on 26 February 2013

Article below Originally published Feb.26, 2013

Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha

QUEEN’S PARK, ON – Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha made the following statement in the legislature today after the government made further cuts to ServiceOntario hours and jobs in the community and throughout the North.

“Northerners who rely on these counters in Manitouwadge, Wawa, Chapleau, along the North Shore and on Manitoulin Island will now have their hours of operation cut in half.

This government claims that the effected sites were low-volume but of these 22 sites 21 of them are located in Northern Ontario, once again denying northerners the same access to these services in comparison to the rest of the province. These cuts will have a negative impact on local businesses, local economy as well as employees who will experience reduced hours or job loss.

ServiceOntario generates $2.7 billion annually in revenue for the province, on an operating budget of only $270 million. With these large revenues, why are northerners made to suffer yet again.

The government made its intent to privatize ServiceOntario clear last February, something that is cause for great concern. We know all too well what can happen with privatization.

Speaker Northerners are not asking for more but will certainly not accept less.”