Mantha’s Notes From the Park
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha
I was pleased to receive news early this week that 2013 Chi-Cheemaun Ferry service will begin on Friday, May 17, with the 8:50 am scheduled departure from Tobermory.
This is a big win for our communities as the Chi-Cheemaun not only provides an essential transportation link for travel, but also supports our tourism and logistics sectors. Without this service, business in the riding and the local economy would suffer. The Chi-Cheemaun is a vital economic driver, and contributes $25 million a year to local economies while transporting over 200,000 passengers. We know that a loss of this magnitude would devastate the region.
This ferry is important to Algoma-Manitoulin, Islanders have rallied together in impressive numbers to bring attention to this matter. It is heart-warming to see communities unite over an important cause and achieve real results. But we know that this is a temporary win, and more work needs to be done. I will continue to work with these communities to ensure that progress continues to be made.
The money is there for dock repairs, but work has not started. The Chi-Cheemaun will begin to sail because water levels have risen slightly, but there are load restrictions placed on the boat. Until repairs are made the Chi-Cheemaun will be unable to carry large vehicles over 22,000kg, and only one truck under 22,000kg can be taken per load. This has a major impact on local logistics companies and trucking routes.
A provincial government tender to complete the construction work was released on May 14, but we need to continue to place pressure on both levels of government to ensure this work is expedited. Although we have been able to pressure the provincial government to step in and put money forward, the federal government has a role to play as well because docks and wharfs are designated a federal issue.
I will continue to pressure the province to complete the tender process quickly so that local economies, logistics companies, tourists and residents can all enjoy the benefits of the Chi-Cheemaun as soon as possible.
In other news, budget consultations continued this week.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath met with the Premier to talk about accountability issues and the budget. She told the Premier that Ontarians want to see more transparency and accountability in this budget, and across the government. Andrea has encouraged Premier Wynne to create a Financial Accountability Office to provide transparency about Ontario’s finances. She has also urged the Premier to extend Ontario’s Ombudsman oversight to include the healthcare sector.
The Ontario New Democrats are asking the government to drop plans announced in the budget to add tolls to existing high-occupancy vehicle lanes. New taxes and tolls will only place a bigger burden on Ontario families, and create a lane that only the wealthy can drive in. The government is planning to set up these toll lanes without knowing what it will cost, and despite significant discrepancies in projected revenue.
As always, please feel free to contact my office about this issue, or any other provincial matters. You can reach my constituency office by email at mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca or by phone at 705-461-9710/1-800-831-1899.
MPP/député Michael Mantha
Algoma-Manitoulin
