Premier’s council needed

Dear sir:
Please accept this open letter to Premier Ernie Eves.
As you are aware, Mr. Premier, global shifts, including changing technology within the forestry sector, combined with current U.S. trade tariffs and a world-wide soft market for paper products, have led to a downturn in the forestry industry across Northern Ontario.
Significant lay-offs of a permanent and rotating nature are becoming the norm in my riding of Kenora-Rainy River—and across much of Northern Ontario.
Our government has demonstrated in the past that it is committed to helping northerners in times of need, and I ask you once again to demonstrate your willingness to work with northerners to develop solutions to this current crisis.
Recently I wrote to you suggesting a Premier’s Council on Renewing the Northern Economy—a council that would move forward on recommendations contained in the Northwestern Ontario “Smart Growth” panel report.
Given the current downturn in the northern economy both from the forestry lay-offs and the ripple effect of SARS on the tourism industry, I believe the time is right to strike such a council that would look to broad opportunities to strengthen the northern economy.
This council would include those who have the required knowledge base and understanding of Northern Ontario, and are in a position to affect positive change on behalf of northerners. Relevant stakeholders including government, business, and labour would be included in such a council.
Premier, from your most recent visits to Northern Ontario, you have demonstrated that you believe northerners possess the will and self-determination to define our economic destiny. Your recent announcement of the tax incentive zones are an indication that you are confident in our ability, when given the appropriate economic development tools, to move forward for the betterment of Northern Ontario.
The Premier’s Council on Renewing the Northern Economy would be another tool to help those of us who choose to live and work in the north an opportunity to develop and build a viable and stable economic climate.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Cathe M. Hoszowski
PC candidate
Kenora-Rainy River