THUNDER BAY — Premier Dalton McGuinty was at the Bombardier manufacturing plant today.
“Ontario Liberals are committed to a strong Northern economy with good Northern Ontario jobs, including right here at Bombardier,” said McGuinty. “Our Ontario Liberal Plan is all about creating jobs and strengthening Northern communities.”
McGuinty made the comments at the manufacturing plant, where the Ontario government’s commitment to GO Transit has meant purchases of 150 new coaches between 2004 and 2011, and a recent purchase of 50 coaches.
“What we’ve accomplished in the North is nothing short of amazing,” said McGuinty. “But there is much more to do and Ontario Liberals have a serious plan to keep building on the progress we’ve made, together.”
The Premier made no mention of his participation in the Northern Ontario Leader’s Debate scheduled for September 23rd. Additionally, Premier McGuinty did not mention his promise on hydrogen powered rail that was made four years ago, in the same Bombardier manufacturing plant.
Both the NDP leader Andrea Horwath and PC leader Tim Hudak have promised to attend the Northern Leaders Debate. The decision by Dalton McGuinty not to attend has drawn scorn from his opponents.
Anthony LeBlanc the PC candidate in Thunder Bay Superior North stated, “Dalton has slapped Northern Ontario across the face twice in the past week. First by releasing his Northern platform in the GTA, then by refusing to debate here”.
“And his local minister of Northern Development Mines and Forestry is okay with this, and said so to the cameras yesterday,” continued LeBlanc.
“This is the ballot question in Northern Ontario. Which party respects and listens to the North, AND, which party can get things done?”
McGuinty announced that the Ontario Liberals will expand GO train service to two-way, full-day service, on all corridors — more than doubling the current number of coaches.
McGuinty was joined by Thunder Bay-Superior North candidate Mike Gravelle and Thunder Bay-Atikokan candidate Bill Mauro.
The Liberals took the opportunity to outline the Ontario Liberal Northern Platform.