Tories promise to put northerners first

A Tim Hudak Progressive Conservative government would change provincial policies that do not respect or promote the northern way of life, according to Nickel Belt Progressive Conservative candidate Paula Peroni.

Peroni made the remarks at an event held on Saturday at her campaign office with Gerry Labelle, Progressive Conservative candidate for Sudbury and Vic Fedeli, candidate for the Nipissing riding. Also on hand were supporters, representatives of rod and gun clubs, ATV groups, miners and other northern enthusiasts.

“Northerners have seen their right to enjoy the northern way of life eroded over the last few years with the closing of trails, the lack of accessibility to crown lands, and regulations such as the Far North Act,” Peroni said in the press release.

“We have also seen the slippage of our mining and forestry industries. We will reopen the trails for the enjoyment of our citizens and our visitors.”

Fedeli, former mayor of North Bay, echoed Peroni’s statements, and said that it is unconscionable to have Toronto bureaucrats deciding what is best for the north when for over a hundred years, northerners have been conscientious and capable stewards of the north.

“It’s because of northerners that we still have a pristine and healthy environment. Northern fishers and hunters have always ensured that the north and its wilderness are protected and sustainable,” Fedeli said.

“We will offer a clear alternative to voters that puts northerners first,” Labelle added. “We will continue to work to create jobs right here in Sudbury with the Ring of Fire project and create expanded opportunities for Sudbury and area mining suppliers.”

In the press release, Peroni referred to changebook north, which will ensure that revenue from new mines will stay in northern communities.

“A Hudak government will focus the Ministry of Natural Resources on supporting - not interfering with- northern Ontario’s traditional way of life, she stated. “When it comes to respecting northern Ontario and its rich resources, the Liberals simply don’t and the NDP can’t.”

-Posted by Heidi Ulrichsen