Moose FM CHMT 93.1 - Timmins

Despite Premier Dalton McGuinty’s statement last week that he ‘reluctantly accepts Xstrata’s decision to close’, the CAW local 599 is still continuing the fight. Local Bargaining Chairman, Ben Lefebvre says McGuinty needs to step down as he doesn’t have the best interest of the province when he refused to force Xstrata to change its mind about closing the Kidd Met site. Adding If McGuinty hasn’t got the courage to stand up for our jobs then he should step down before he causes any more damage. He has also asked members of the union to refrain from using the company’s medical surveillance programs immediately as information has been used against members in the past.

The playing field has been leveled according to Melanie Muncaster, the Manager of Program Services for Northern Ontario. New programs have been designed by the Northern Ontario Heritage program to help current and future entrepreneurs in Timmins. Seven new programs have been added and will assist those looking to start up a business by covering approximately 50% of costs up to $125,000. Muncaster said this gives Northern Ontario an opportunity we haven’t had in the past.

There’s good news for Northern Ontario. Tony Clement has announced FedNor will continue to run at full capacity despite rumours that the program has dwindled. Since 2006, FedNor has invested over 200-million dollars in Northern Ontario. That money doesn’t include the investment and jobs created through the first phase of the Economic Action Plan.