21 June 2009
Unions Say Ontario Northland Should Take Over OVR and Huron Central
North Bay Ontario - The Ontario Northland General
Chairpersons' Association (GCA) met today to discuss the state of rail infrastructure and the deterioration of services by the two
shortline railways in our region. Ottawa Valley Railway and the Huron Central Railway both operated by American owned companies have
stated they are looking at pulling up stakes because of the recent downturn in the economy, which could leave the north with no train
service from North Bay to Sault Ste Marie.
"This is not a time to reduce infrastructure in the north "stated GCA spokesperson Brian Kelly. "We believe that the
only viable long term solution is to have Ontario Northland become the Transportation and Communication authority for all of Northern
Ontario. This is a northern problem and we have a northern solution", continued Kelly.
"Ontario Northland already operates Motor Coach and Communications services across the north, and runs freight and passenger
services throughout northeastern Ontario. This is the opportune time for the Crown Corporation to expand westward to ensure all the
communities in the North have fair access to a safe and reliable transportation system" added Kelly.
"If Federal and Provincial investment dollars are to be allocated to ensure the viability of these rail and passenger services it
makes good sense to apply those funds to a corporation that has been in the rail business in Ontario for over 100 years. Both senior
levels of government should use the ONTC as the agency to deliver much needed services and infrastructure investment for all of
Northern Ontario", concluded Kelly.
The GCA is made up of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, United Steel Workers, and
Canadian Auto Workers unions who represent all unionized employees at the Ontario Northland Transportation
Commission.
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