Premier Dalton McGuinty Visits Thunder Bay
by Scott A. Sumner
Premier Dalton McGuinty recently visited Thunder Bay visiting the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute. He answered several questions from local media.
Opening Statement
“ I am pleased to be back in Thunder Bay and to see the progress we have made together with the hospital, the medical school, the law school and this research institute, all different ways that give confidence in the future. This is an important foundation for future economic growth in addition to our resource industry. This research institute has created 100 plus jobs here.”
What is the future of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund?
“ We need to put in place a strong plan to eliminate the deficit. We will put in place a thoughtful responsible plan.Our record with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is going from $60 to $100 million dollars protecting or creating over 17,000 jobs here in the north. We remain strong champions of the fund. For specifics I will leave that to the budget but I believe northerners have every reason to be optimistic for the future of this fund.”
What will you do about the Doctor shortage in the North?
“ We have taken some major steps forward with health teams in place in this part of the province where there were none before. Nurse Practioner clinics are now seeing 35,000 patients as well as we have the the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. The fact of the matter is we have made some real progress but there is always work to be done.”
Will your government support a new Thunder Bay Events Centre?
“ We have not received a formal proposal from the city yet. If we receive such a proposal we will give that careful consideration. I can say even in difficult economic times we will remain in place an active infrastructure investment of billions of dollars. If the city is serious about the proposal they should send us a proposal.”
What is happening with the drug Oxy Contin?
“ We are listening to experts on this matter. Oxy Contin has proven to be very challenging. We have a plan to make another drug available and want to make sure we get it right. Withdrawal can very difficult.”
Will there be changes in funding for Ontario teachers ?
“ I couldn’t be more proud of what we have achieved with the international stature as an education system. Out test scores and graduation rates are up. We can’t provide the same funding growth as in the past. I would encourage Ontario teachers to work with us.”
What can we expect with the new Ontario budget?
“ The Drummond commission is to provide us with advice and we will respond with our budget. Our commitment to Northern Ontario is strong. Our investment in highways and Bombardier for example is all about confidence in the future.”
