2009-04-20
06:45:07
The development of a regional government is being floated by some elected officials in northwestern Ontario.
The idea was discussed on the weekend by delegates attending the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association meeting in Fort Frances. Schreiber councillor Patrick Halonen says it may give them more control over how provincial policies are implemented in the north.
"I believe right now that southern Ontario does really understand the north, and we're being dictated to," says Halonen. "They are making moves that effect northern Ontario people. Not southern Ontario people."
NOMA president Anne Krassilowsky doesn't fully support the idea of a regional government, but understands why its being discussed now.
"There is such a frustration of job loss, and direct and indirect businesses that are disappearing," says Krassilowsky. "I can understand that part, but we just can not create something we can't afford either and adds another cost to communities."
Thunder Bay councillor Iain Angus says the idea of a form of third-level government was reviewed when NOMA established the so-called Common Voice Initiative, but quickly dismissed.
"It would require a constitutional amendment," says Angus. "We choose the path, let's fix what we can to help the people today than some esoteric concept that might come in to being in 15 or 20 years."
