QUEEN’S PARK – Howard Hampton, MPP Kenora-Rainy River stood up in the Ontario Legislature today to ask the Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan, what his plans are to ensure the laid-off workers of Buchanan Group of companies receive the $30 million in severance and termination pay they are entitled to.
“The Liberals showed no concern over the Nortel pensioners and their monetary losses until this very convenient by-election in Ottawa-West,” Hampton said. “Now, suddenly $200 million has magically appeared.”
“I think it is only fair that the same benefits and monetary payouts be extended to the Buchanan Group of companies 2,000 laid-off workers,” Hampton added.
Over the past three years, the McGuinty Liberals have given more $120-million in grants, loans and other financial benefits to the Buchanan Group of companies through various Ontario Ministry programs. But not once did any of the Ministries involved come to the aid of the 2,000 laid-off workers demanding that $30-million of this money be given to them.
“This $30-million is money they are entitled to,” Hampton said. “Ontario laws are not put in place to apply to some groups and not the others.”
“It really is a matter of accountability,” Hampton said. “We have a government that is only willing to assist when there is something to be gained for them. It is a travesty for the Buchanan Groups 2,000 workers. It’s a travesty for Northerners.”
