NDP MPP Gilles Bisson says the McGuinty Liberal plan to conserve half of Ontario’s boreal forest is nothing more than a hollow announcement.

“New Democrats support conservation of the boreal forest, however, this announcement is short on details and long on promises. The McGuinty Liberals have created a lot of uncertainty in the North, which is already facing economic hardship. We have to ensure there is a balance between environmental conservation and sustainable development,” said Bisson.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton today grilled Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Board Corporation (NOHFC), on the pattern of NOHFC funding announcements before and since the last provincial election.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton continues to pressure Dalton McGuinty to commit to ensuring immediate changes to address First Nations rights in regards to mineral exploration.

“The McGuinty Liberals have been in power for more than five years and continue to talk about changes to the Mining Act, but all we hear is talk. The McGuinty Liberals could immediately bring in a regulation that would be an important first step in ensuring First Nations consultation. But the Premier refused,” said Hampton.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton says real action is needed to help the forestry sector with the news of layoffs at four more mills in Northern Ontario.

“Almost a thousand more people have lost their jobs and all Dalton McGuinty does is point fingers at Stephen Harper and play the blame game. After years of mill closures, layoffs and damage to the forest industry communities, Northerners deserve to know: What is Dalton McGuinty’s plan to reposition the forest industry and when are we going to see some results?” asked Hampton.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton called on the McGuinty Liberals to scrap their planned increase in royalties paid by diamond mining companies in Northern Ontario.

“For the first time in years, the James Bay coast, one of the most impoverished regions in Northern Ontario, has the chance to better its situation. Diamond mining promises to provide jobs and incomes for some of Ontario’s poorest First Nations, and now the government wants to reduce the amount of money that would go to those communities by increasing the royalties charged to diamond mining companies. Unbelievable,” said Hampton.

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.