Mayor calls for long-term planning

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

North Bay Mayor Al McDonald is calling on the province to implement some long-term planning for the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

In a statement released Wednesday in the wake of the announced loss of more than 60 jobs with the sale of Ontera, the communications division of the ONTC, McDonald also urged Northern Ontario elected representatives to work together to put pressure on the recently elected Liberal majority government.

“We need long-term planning in regard to the ONTC,” McDonald said. “We need a strategic long-term approach, a strategic alliance with Metrolinx (the Crown agency responsible for GO Transit), a clear direction in regard to the ONTC's role in the Ring of Fire, and concrete plans for investments for the organization.”

McDonald said the loss of jobs at Ontera is “a travesty and will have a devastating impact on local economies.

“I am prepared to see what, if any, options exist with the governing regulatory bodies and I am prepared to continue to fight for the ONTC and all its employees.”

Tuesday, employees of Ontera were told that about half the workforce would be gone within 13 months, despite assurances from Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle that there would be a loss of 20 to 30 jobs, and the remaining jobs would be protected for two years under terms of the sale to Bell Aliant.

“Now we find out 50% of the workforce will be gone in 13 months, not two years, with 60 jobs lost, not 20 to 30 positions.”

He said the announcement “is shocking, yet sadly not unexpected.”

“The loss of high-skilled, well-paying jobs across the North is no small matter,” McDonald said.

“The details of the transaction really give it the appearance of a fire sale -- even worse, more like 'please take it and we will pay you millions of dollars to take it off our hands.'”

The province announced the sale of Ontera to Bell Aliant earlier this year for $6 million.

“We have pointed out the government's own findings reveal any divestiture of ONTC assets will be costly for the taxpayer. We were right, in excess of $50 million.”

The province announced in March 2012 that it was divesting the ONTC. Earlier this year, Gravelle said divestment was off the table, but Ontera would be sold to Bell Aliant.

Mayor calls for long-term planning