Local Officials Looking for Government Action

There's been a quick response from the area's senior elected representatives to Couchiching First Nation's plans to set up a toll booth on the Highway through their community next month.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty understands the band's frustration over the lack of a response to their concerns, and hopes to convince government officials to sit down with them to find some solutions.

"I've talked to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and the Minister of Health and asked them to intervene in this matter," says Rafferty, "to use their leadership in this issue and to ensure the concerns of all the residents in the region are properly addressed."

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says he'll also be looking for action from the province that begins to address the band's concerns.

"I would hope there would be a response," says Hampton. "I think if any reasonable person looked at some of these issues and saw how long they have dragged on without an resolution, most reasonable people would say 'that's too long,' and government should be doing something to respond in one way or another."

The toll is planned for May 21.