Leaders are pushing for the creation of an Ontario natural resources strategy, what are the top priorities to help the industry prosper?
There is little doubt in anyone's mind that our resource sector is under attack. The number one priority would be to reduce hydro rates. If elected, along with my fellow northern caucus members, I will push the premier and cabinet to immediately enhance programs that provide our mines and mills with competitive hydro rates. It makes no sense to us that excess hydro is sold off to the United States at pennies on the dollar while companies like Goldcorp and Glencore pay exhorbitant rates that diminish their profitability.
If elected, what would be your first priority?
If elected my first priority will be to establish close ties with Timmins city council and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation. We need new jobs in this city. Kidd Creek will close its mining operation in 2022 and we need to work together to replace the 700 jobs that will be gone when the final loads of copper and zinc are brought to surface. Voters should be reminded that more than 57,000 forestry jobs were lost under the watch of the incumbent MPP.
What do you want Timmins residents to know about you?
I am a proud northerner, born and raised, I believe in an honest day’s work to get ahead in life. I believe in fighting for what you believe in. I believe in being fair and honest, and I understand the economical issues we have been going through, more specifically here in Timmins. I am ready to stand up for you and fight for our jobs, our resources and our way of life. I will fight the bureaucracy that has gotten too large. I will fight the environmentalists who use our jobs and lives as bait to leverage their political messages in the south, and I will even fight M. Ford to make sure he keeps his Northern promises. We have so much that is good here in Timmins and it’s critical that we protect it. This Thursday, I ask for your vote and your help in creating a base for change at Queen’s Park.
