QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Northern Development and Mines Critic Michael Mantha says the Liberal government’s unwillingness to take real action is threatening billions of dollar in Northern investment, and leaving communities dependent on resource development out in the cold.
“Just two weeks ago Cliffs [Natural Resources] was forced to consider pulling out of the Ring of Fire because this government refuses to provide direction in Ring of Fire development, and last Friday, Northern Superior Resources was forced to sue the government for failing to play a role in consultations with First Nations,” explained Mantha during today’s question period.
Members of the Liberal government have repeatedly paid lip service to the important role the government plays in developing resource commodities by working with industry and affected communities and First Nations, but have so far failed to take concrete action.
“The government is announcing thousands of jobs will come to the province but no work on the ground is being done to create these jobs. There is no training of the workforce to meet the demand, there is no plan on infrastructure or electricity rates,” said Mantha. “For 6 years this government has talked the talk but has done nothing on the ground to create the jobs and to consult communities.”
Mantha called on the government to stop delaying future development by working with industry and community stakeholders.
“How can this government ask partners to work together while itself refusing to play a role in crafting a plan for mining development and job creation?” asked Mantha. “What will it take for this government to actually develop a plan for Ring of Fire development and job creation in the North?”
