Gravelle, Mauro hopeful for 2016

Last year saw a number of ups and downs for the provincial government but Thunder Bay's two MPPs are remaining optimistic about 2016.

The Liberal government saw a number of controversies in 2015 from former premier Dalton McGuinty's staff being charged in connection to the gas plant scandal to the political fallout of the Sudbury by-election. In Thunder Bay's two ridings, there was more to smile about.

For Michael Gravelle, the MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North and Minister of Northern Development and Mines, one of the big highlights of the year was continuing the twinning of Highway 11/17.

"We've now gotten over 50 per cent of the highway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon either constructed or under construction," he said. "Obviously, one of the highlights was the westbound lanes up at the Nipigon bridge opening up as well. I certainly tend to have an optimistic nature. That's how I am as a person. I see a bright future for the North. Premier (Kathleen) Wynne made it clear to all of us but certainly to the caucus to her credit that Northern Ontario was truly going to be a major part of our economy."

In terms of mining, Gravelle was happy to see a mineral development strategy created this year. He said he's looking forward to continue to grow the mining sector - not just the Ring of Fire development - as it's a huge economic driver for the North. He added the North continues to see new mines opening up and specifically mentioned the Greenstone Gold Mine project in the Geraldton and Greenstone area and the New Gold project in Rainy River.

While Gravelle understood the mining sector has some challenges ahead, he said there's opportunities as well, which is a priority for him.

Gravelle was also pleased to see the large industry energy subsidy known as Northern Industrial Electricity Rate program become permanent this year.

Gravelle and his ministry came under fire in a report by Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk. Report gave a scathing review stating the government's poor job of laying the groundwork for new mining projects and keeping track of abandoned ones.

But it wasn't just the mining sector that received attention from Lysyk who scrutinized the government's move to convert the Thunder Bay Generating Station to biomass saying it was not cost-effective.

Gravelle said he's grateful for the recommendations in the report and he even had an opportunity to sit down with Lysyk prior to the release of the report to discuss what was in it. He explained there's many areas where they agree and are working towards it.

But there's also some areas where they disagree and the Thunder Bay Generating Station is one of them.

"The Auditor General's report was based on the present use of the operation," he said. "What we're looking at, not just as an MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, and I know my colleague Bill Mauro would agree with me as well because the generating station is actually in his riding, but what we're looking at, and so is the Northwest Energy Task Force, is, are we going to be able to meet the energy needs of the future. That requires capacity be in place."

Gravelle argued they are looking ahead at what the future need will be in terms of energy. He called it an investment in the future.

Gravelle added that for his New Year's resolution, he plans to remain as healthy as possible.

Mauro, the MPP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River and the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, said the big highlight for him in 2015 was the announcement of the cardiac surgery commitment. The province plans to expand a program aimed at improving access to cardiovascular services such as bypass surgeries in the Northwest.

Mauro said this was a campaign promise and called it a huge announcement for everyone in the North.

Last year, Canada's natural resources ministers agreed to take a stance against environmental campaigns that target the forestry sector. Companies like Resolute Forest Products have accused organizations like Greenpeace of spreading misinformation that has a negative impact on their business.

"We're doing a lot of work in ensuring that the people who purchase forest-based products from Ontario are aware of how sustainable we manage our forests here in the province," he said. "We do a very good job; We have a very high percentage of our forests being third-party independently certified; We got some very strong legislation."

Mauro said he's looking forward to continuing to work on the section of the expressway from Arthur Street all the way to Balsam. He explained the environmental and design options are nearly complete and he hopes to be in a position soon to work on other sections of the highway.