NDP Leader Howard Hampton met Northern Ontario mayors today and raised their concerns about the future with Dalton McGuinty in Question Period.

“Northern mayors are clear about the need for a fair deal for their communities – many of which are struggling under the weight of a jobs crisis that Dalton McGuinty’s failed economic and energy policies have created,” Hampton said.

“At Christmas, Dalton McGuinty moved lightning quick to give himself a $40,000 pay raise. When can Northerners expect action on their priorities?” the NDP Leader asked.

Hampton met with Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez, Thunder Bay Mayor Lynn Peterson, Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren, North Bay Mayor Vic Fedeli and Sault Ste. Marie Acting Mayor Susan Myers. They discussed “Northern Lights,” the Northern mayors call to action. Their recommendations include: Ontario reassuming the cost of provincial services that have been downloaded onto the backs of property taxpayers; Ontario sharing natural resource revenues with resource-based communities; and Ontario implementing a northern electricity pricing plan to sustain industry and jobs.

“Northern mayors put forward good ideas that warrant consideration by the McGuinty government. Unfortunately, Mr. McGuinty is more interested in uploading taxpayer dollars onto his own paycheque than helping the North by uploading the cost of provincial services that have been downloaded onto property taxpayers,” Hampton said.

“What’s clear is this: Dalton McGuinty has abandoned the North. He has turned his back on our communities and our hard-working families. He is completely out of touch. And it’s time for a change,” the NDP Leader said.