Press Release
The Ontario NDP once again is living up to its election promises with a motion to create a legislative committee for northern issues passing yesterday, local MPP Sarah Campbell said.
The motion, brought forward by Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof, proposed a new committee made up of Northern Ontario MPPs that would provide input and recommendations on legislation and policies affecting the north.
“It’s something northern communities have been wanting for years,” noted Campbell, who proudly supports the bill.
“For too long, Queen’s Park has been passing legislation without giving the slightest thought to its impact on northern communities and this bill would rectify this,” she noted.
Campbell said many of the concerns she hears from constituents directly relate to the “cookie-cutter” approach the Ontario government has used to design programs and services, which fails to recognize the unique circumstances in Northern Ontario.
“A permanent standing committee on northern issues would ensure those shortcomings are pointed out and dealt with.”
The motion received support from all parties, and Campbell said she hopes the committee can be created shortly to start making a real difference for northern communities.
“This is an step forward for Northern Ontario and I hope all parties can continue to work together to ensure the committee can begin its work in the near future,” she said.
