Rod McKay
Dear editor:
Once again we have an obvious example of the McGuinty government ignoring the plight of Northern Ontario.
The closing of the tourist information centres in the Kenora-Rainy River riding really tells me that the provincial government has no interest in supporting the families and businesses in Northern Ontario.
Over the last few years, our forest industry has been decimated and tourism was a lifeline that was helping to keep our communities alive. Closing the tourist centres entering Canada and Ontario really tells the travelling public that we are indifferent whether they come for a visit or not.
If someone does come to spend some tourist dollars and help support our economy, they won’t feel welcome, get educated on what we have to offer, or even stay long enough to find out.
The latest budget also is pointing to an exodus of good-paying government jobs with the MNR. Without industry and tourism, what is left? Lots of service industry businesses with no customers.
The world and the rest of Canada can see the vast resource value we have in Northern Ontario, but the provincial government is blinded by the glow of the “Golden Triangle.” Why can’t anyone in Toronto recognize the economic impact of a strong resource-based industrial sector?
Why can’t they recognize the economic impact on Ontario’s overall economy and tax base?
Northern communities have to take the lead and create our own destiny. We need to work together and lobby for inclusion into the province we call Ontario.
Just because the border is drawn on a map doesn’t mean we are recognized or appreciated by the McGuinty government.
(Signed),
Rod McKay
P.C. Candidate
of Record,
Kenora-Rainy River
