Criticizing the McGuinty government’s snail’s pace approach to reaching an agreement with Greyhound on saving bus services to Northwestern Ontario, Kenora—Rainy River NDP MPP Howard Hampton invited the Transportation Minister to get moving during today’s Question Period.

“Yesterday, the Manitoba government and Greyhound announced an agreement to continue bus services to rural and northern Manitoba while they work out the final details of a long-term agreement,” said Hampton.

“Yet people in Northwestern Ontario are still facing the loss of a bus service, in many cases the only transportation service they have. How is it that in Northwestern Ontario, rural bus service is still scheduled to end one month from now?” he asked.

Pointing out the double standards that seem to be at play in this case, Hampton reminded Transportation Minister Jim Bradley that the McGuinty government already provides $35-million annually for GO Transit buses in Southern Ontario and $25-million annually for bus and train service in Northeastern Ontario.

“If it’s good to subsidize intercity bus service in Southern Ontario and it’s good to subsidize it in Northastern Ontario, why don’t people in Northwestern Ontario count as well? Why are they facing the loss of bus service by December 2?” asked Hampton of Bradley.

Hampton promised to continue pressuring the McGuinty Liberals until this issue is resolved to the satisfaction of Northwestern Ontarians who can’t afford to lose bus service.