Glen Murray Will Call For Stronger Northern Ontario Voice

Dec 8th, 2012 11:32 AM

For immediate release
Ontario Leadership Candidate Says It’s Time For Northern Regional Government
 THUNDER BAY - Glen Murray will renew his call for Northern Ontario to have its own regional government when he speaks at the Ontario Liberal Leadership debate here Sunday (Dec. 9). “I want everyone in our party, and all Ontarians, to know that the North needs a stronger voice. It’s time for Northern regional government, so communities can have more authority over energy, infrastructure and natural resources,” Murray said. As Premier, Glen Murray would have Northerners choose by referendum the kind of regional authority they want - a general Northern government or a separate regional government for Northeastern and Northwestern Ontario. Northern government will not cost Ontario additional funds, because Northern decision-making could replace parallel layers and bureaucracy at Queen’s Park. “Too many decisions and policies are one-size-fits-all, and they don’t always fit,” Murray said. As Premier, Murray would personally review the second phase of Ontario’s clean energy Feed In Tariff program and listen to the needs of First Nation and other Northern communities to hear what changes they believe would make their participation easier. Murray’s plan contrasts with other Ontario Liberal Leadership challengers, who have either been silent about the North or not called for a direct, stronger voice for Northerners. A new Northern Ontario government would continue to respect Ontario’s provincial powers under Canada’s Constitution as well as the Constitutional and Treaty rights of First Nations and the Métis nation. Glen Murray’s leadership campaign of ideas and action is built on renewal for Ontario families and our economy: • Tax cuts for the middle class and small business • No-money-down university or college tuition • Cities and towns that work • Smart government that listens - including a stronger voice for the North. “Let’s renew the Ontario Liberal Party and renew Ontario together,” Murray said. For more information: Emily Kirk 647 668 1076 emily.kirk@renewliberal.ca
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