Kenora Daily Miner and News

More northern autonomy needed: Hampton

August 29, 2007 By Mike Aiken

Ontario NDP Leader Howard Hampton said Wednesday northerners need to seize the initiative when it comes to making our own decisions.

“Southern Ontario doesn’t care what happens north of Barrie,” he said. “They don’t give us much thought.”

When it comes to rebuilding economies in the wake of mill closures, Hampton repeated his pledge to look at creating a regional electrical authority, as well as repatriating royalties from resource extraction.

“People get it. People understand,” he said, referring to his stops in northern communities, where he says there’s support for his ideas.

The member for Kenora-Rainy River noted the need for a better working relationship between First Nations and the provincial government, not just in the area, but for the region north of the 51st Parallel.

“We need to recognize this will have to be done in partnership,” he emphasized. He listed examples of agreements between aboriginal

communities and private companies throughout Northwestern Ontario as he stressed the importance of a new deal with Grassy Narrows.

“They completely dropped the ball,” Hampton said, describing the province’s performance on the issue.

First Nation leaders are set to pick a facilitator this fall as they work towards an agreement with Queen’s Park and industry. At issue are the wood rights for the Whiskey Jack Forest and expansion plans for the mill at Kenora Forest Products, as well as the need to protect traditional lands from clearcutting north of Grassy.

Hampton also noted the key to solving Ontario’s electricity shortages is progressive conservation measures and reductions in consumption, rather than new production. If Queen’s Park followed the example of Manitoba Hydro, which offers loans for home owners converting to more efficient appliances or renovating their homes to achieve lower electrical bills, the province would be further ahead, said Hampton.

With less demand on the system, the province would be able to shut down larger coal-fired stations, such as Nanticoke, then phase out smaller ones in Atikokan and Thunder Bay.

As the October election date nears, Hampton said he was looking forward to a campaign that focused more on issues and hope, rather than fearmongering. He noted the Conservative platform won’t allow for the governing Liberals to paint them as ugly Tories.

“I look forward to this election,” he said, calling it the closest in 15 years. “I believe we’re going to do well.”

With polls predicting a minority government, the NDP is poised to win more seats and form the balance of power, Hampton said.