THUNDER BAY – Premier Dalton McGuinty serves as Premier of all of Ontario. However on Saturday the people of Thunder Bay gained another example of just how much more Toronto means to the Premier. Toronto experienced a horrible incident on Saturday night. There was a shooting in the Eaton Centre that has resulted in one death, two innocent victims left in critical condition, and five other innocent victims wounded.
Premier McGuinty issued a statement within hours. “I know I speak for all Ontarians when I say that while we are saddened and shocked by today’s events, we will respond as we always have — with strength, determination and a desire to work together, and work even harder, to build communities that are safe, secure and free of gun violence,” stated Dalton McGuinty.
I think all Ontarians agree with the Premier, what happened in Toronto on Saturday night was terrible.
But what the Premier seems to forget is that something terrible has happened in Thunder Bay.
The flooding that has impacted our community has hit almost 1000 families.
The City has declared both a state of emergency, and that Thunder Bay is a disaster area too.
When the Premier was in Thunder Bay on Friday May 25th, there were already flood warnings in place for the city. On Monday May 28th flooding hit our city. As of June 3rd, there has not been any statement issued from Dalton McGuinty about the people of Thunder Bay impacted by the flooding.
On May 24th, the City of Timmins declared a state of emergency over the forest fires that were impacting the community.
The Premier issued a statement the following day. “I want to thank our firefighters and other first responders for the exceptional work they’re doing to battle blazes and help keep families safe in Northern Ontario”.
The situation in Thunder Bay has not even garnered so much as a ‘Tweet’ from the Liberal Press Secretary.
Far too often, Northwestern Ontario seems to be outside of Dalton McGuinty’s radar. A caring Premier would be using the power of his office to focus Ontario and Canada’s attention on the crisis in Thunder Bay.
Hey Dalton, remember Thunder Bay.
James Murray
Chief Content Officer
To donate to the Flood Fund through the Salvation Army call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or visit www.salvationarmy.ca; to donate to the Canadian Red Cross visit www.redcross.ca. You can also contact the Red Cross by phone at 1-800-418-1111 or by Email: WeCare@redcross.ca.