Tory's hopes high for northern Ontario

I guess hope springs eternal. Tory doesn't cite any poll numbers to show that his hopes are realistic! I wonder why?

Tory's hopes high for northern Ontario

Oct 05, 2007 11:29 AM
THE CANADIAN PRESS

Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory says he has high hopes in northern Ontario despite his partying holding just one seat in the region at dissolution.

In an interview with CBC Radio in Thunder Bay, Ont., Tory again laid out a series of pledges to draw voters to Conservative candidates on Oct. 10.

Among them, a pledge to spend about $300 million of gas tax funding to improve northern highways and roads. He said a Conservative government would also establish a $100 million research and development fund for northern universities and colleges to attract businesses and ideas to the north.

Asked how he would help the beleaguered forest industry, Tory said he would seek solutions in a report prepared by experts for the McGuinty government. That report, said Tory, discusses such issues as streamlining regulations and the co-generation of electricity.

Another key issue to many northern Ontario voters is a widening of the Trans Canada Highway. Tory said he wouldn't commit to calls for a divided highway, saying he'd consider "a lot more passing lanes" before four-laning.

Tory said he would also help the northern economy by rolling back the diamond tax which was almost tripled by the Liberals. He said he would also review the Mining Act to ensure regulations do not dissuade people who want to invest in northern Ontario.

With only five days before the Oct. 10 election, Tory said he won't be making any more campaign stops in northern Ontario.