Angus critical of Liberal policies after retreat

The NDP Critic for Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, MP Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay), is accusing the Liberal cabinet of ignoring the single most important issue for Northern communities: jobs.

“Thanks for the visit but the Trudeau Liberals are still MIA on many of the key issues of the north — Ring of Fire, rural broadband, stabilizing FedNor and reversing Harper’s cuts to health care,“ stated Angus. “Northerners were sold a bill of goods when Liberals promised harmony between Ottawa and Toronto but the only thing we see them doing in unison is taking our communities for granted,”

This weekend’s retreat followed a disturbing trend of Liberals ignoring the priorities of the North. Their platform, their budget, and now this tour completely excluded mention of the Ring of Fire project that has been hailed as a game changer from all levels of government and local communities.

“North Ontario was promised that electing provincial and federal Liberals would get the Ring of Fire moving but instead we’ve seen them let each other off the hook,” Angus added. “The communities at the centre of this are calling out for help, wondering why neither government will stand up for them.”