(Media Release from Pat Rogerson, nominated candidate for the Green Party of Ontario, Sudbury)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Green Party of Ontario calls for investment in rail sector jobs

SUDBURY – With over 100 Northern Ontario jobs in the sustainable transportation sector on the line, the Green Party of Ontario supports a review of the Metrolinx decision to award out-of-province firm a contract to refurbish GO transit rail coaches. A healthy rail sector is essential for Northern development, and this decision threatens Ontario jobs and communities.

“I support the City of North Bay’s call to immediately suspend the Metrolinx award pending a review to evaluate the benefits of buying from an Ontario company,” wrote Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, in a response to the City of North Bay.  “Strong economies with good local jobs provide a tax base that supports strong communities. It’s important for the province to take into consideration the net benefit to Ontario when making purchasing decisions.”

Ontario Northland, located in North Bay, recently lost out on the Metrolinx award, with a bid of approximately $2 million higher on the $120 million contract.  Yet this decision can cost the province more than that in the long run, in terms of lower tax revenue and lost jobs.

“We should be investing in good, green jobs in the rail sector, rather than telling Northern workers that their services are no longer required. A healthy and vibrant rail sector is an extremely important factor in creating green jobs in Northern Ontario,” said Pat Rogerson, the Green Party’s candidate for Sudbury.  “What the government is allowing to happen by awarding the GO contract to an out-of-province company is very problematic to Ontario Northland, its employees and to the community.”

The Green Party’s platform calls for an open, accountable government that supports strong local economies. For Northern Ontario , investment in railroad infrastructure is important for the local economy.  “Sustainable means of transportation, including shipping and rail, must be the priorities for investment – to meet our needs today and tomorrow,” said Rogerson.  “Our ability to sustainably access and process mineral resources from the Ring of Fire in the remote north relies on having a healthy rail sector in Northern Ontario.”

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Information:

“It’s Time: a five-point plan for Ontario’s future” is available for download at: http://itstimeforgreen.ca/

Contact:

Pat Rogerson, nominated candidate for the Green Party of Ontario – Sudbury

Phone:  705-675-6666

Email:   Pat.Rogerson@gpo.ca

Twitter: Pat_Rogerson