Interesting to read comments about ONTC's future just a couple days before Firday's announcement. Given the broad consultation that has been going on, Bartolucci and the Ministry must have known for some time that this proposal was coming.

Dalton McGuinty's resignation as premier has given Ontario Northland Transportation Commission workers hope that its divestment might be suspended or cancelled.

Brian Kelly, president of CAW Local 103 and spokesman for the General Chairperson’s Association, said there's “a renewed sense of hope” for nearly 900 workers who have spent seven months fighting to keep the Crown corporation in public hands.

“The announcement doesn't stop the divestment process, but everything could change. This news gives us a shot in the arm,” Kelly said Tuesday morning.

“If the government suspends the decision to divest the Crown corporation it would allow stakeholders to come up with a plan. We understand the ONTC needs a new business model and we're willing to change.”

Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci announced March 23 that the ONTC would be divested.

The Northlander passenger train between Toronto and Cochrane has already been stopped.

And Ontera, ONTC's telecommunications division, is expected to be sold later this year. The province is already in the process of short-listing potential buyers and has received more than 13 unsolicited expressions of interest in Ontera.

ONTC spokeswoman Rebecca McGlynn said the corporation is continuing with its regular operations and has received no information to indicate there has been a change in the divestment process since McGuinty's announcement.

Ministry staff say the premier's surprise resignation Monday evening will not affect the divestment process.

The government gave a March 2013 target date for complete divestment, but “given the complexity of the process I can't say for sure when that will be,” Laura Blondeau, Bartolucci's communication director, said Tuesday.

Blondeau said Bartolucci was surprised by McGuinty's announcement, but the minister has no intention to run for premier.

“He remains happy to be the minister of MNDM and MPP (Sudbury). There are many challenges dealing with files including ONTC and it's important to have stability right now,” she said.

“The premier said it's time for rejuvenation, but which direction that takes is undetermined. We have no idea who the new leader will be.”

Union spokesman Kelly said the Liberal party has to make amends in riding where it hopes to win seats.

“They have some large fences to mend and a good place to start is in Northern Ontario. But first they have to take their feet off our throats,” Kelly said. “There isn't anyone who this government hasn't stepped on.”

j.hamilton-mccharles@sunmedia.ca