THUNDER BAY – Minister Greg Rickford delivered an update on the fall economic statement. focusing on six points at a luncheon at the Prince Arthur Hotel hosted by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
The Minister states that our financial situation has made it difficult too invest in projects.
“We are beating our deficit target by $1.3 billion,” stated Rickford. “What we have not done well enough is to sell the plan”.
“I have never seen this kind of focus and discipline at the treasury board,” says the Minister.
Our $0.02 cents per liter on aviation fuel tax planned will save massively for northern communities. “It should not cost more to fly from Kenora to Thunder Bay than from Thunder Bay to Bombay”
“We believe we have a plan for our environment that does not include a carbon tax,” said the Minister. “We will take action when we know that 200-300 Indigenous people are trained and ready for work.”
Creating a competitive business environment
“We need people for jobs we have now, and we start from the premise that government doesn’t create jobs, a business does. We are moving forward with a small business plan.
A $10 million investment opportunity for forestry is part of the plan for the future.
“We canceled the Regional Framework – after $20 million spent there was not one shovel in the ground. We are working with Indigenous people who reach out to us.”
The Minister spoke about the “Corridor to Prosperity” and having roads that bring in the opportunity for building the economy and respecting the environment.
Pointing at Greenstone Gold, the Minister says there were no real barriers except for red tape that was slowing progress. Minister Rickford said that this has implications for Thunder Bay as a hub of action.
Rickford said that the goal is reducing red tape, getting government out of the way to making the economy stronger, and by working without compromising that Ontario will prosper.
“Borrowing your way to prosperity is not the way,” said Rickford.
Rickford finished his talk to a standing ovation from the sold-out Chamber of Commerce crowd.
