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THUNDER BAY - Right now the McGuinty Government is seeking opinions and input from Northern Ontarians for the Northern Ontario Growth Plan. Writer Mike Shusterman raised a fantastic idea yesterday when he wrote that Northern Ontario should become an "HST Free Zone". Putting businesses and our economy in Northern Ontario into a special economic incentive status would boost the economy of our region. It would also solve many of the problems looming on the horizon for the McGuinty Government with our province's First Nations.

For companies looking for places to grow, having a 13% incentive to locate in the North would also likely help solve some of the urban sprawl problems that are facing the Golden Horseshow in Southern Ontario.

It would also send a strong signal that the Northern Growth Plan is a living document that will come to fruition quickly. Making an announcement that Northern Ontario is to be an HST Free Zone could be made right now with a simple amendment to the legislation.

So what would it take for Mike Shusterman's idea to move forward?

It would take action by communities across the North. The Northern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) needs to step up. The City of Thunder Bay needs to step up. All of the small communities in the North need to step up and demand action on this issue.

MPPs and MPs need to step up too. Most importantly, Minister Michael Gravelle needs to step up at the Cabinet Table and make a strong stand for the future of this region.

Our region will need help moving into the future and past our solid primary industry past. A strong signal from the McGuinty Government that our region is an HST Free Zone would send a strong and powerful message that deeds not just words are what matters.

The most important factor in moving toward this idea will be from you. All you have to do is get involved. Start by sharing this idea with your friends, family and business associates. Pick up the telephone and call your MPPs and politely tell them that you will work for, and support a politician who brings this idea to Northern Ontario. Call your MPs and make the same request.

If you make political donations to a party of your choice, right now those parties are going to be asking you for money. Tell them that your donation will come once their is action on this idea, not just the promise, but action.

In our region, we are just under a year away from the next civic election. Now is a good time to start letting your civic representatives know that you want them front and centre leading the fight for this idea.

In Thunder Bay our two provincial representatives have proven effective at gaining funding for many projects. Now is the time for both Bill Mauro and Michael Gravelle to stand shoulder to shoulder in Queen's Park and move Northern Ontario forward, into an HST Free Economic Development Zone.

What do you think?

Is Mike right? Should Northern Ontario be an "HST Free Zone"?

I think he is! But to get it done you are going to have to prove to our political leaders that this must be done.

James Murray
News Director

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