NDP: MNR cuts ignore Northern needs
NEW LISKEARD, ON – NDP Natural Resources Critic John Vanthof says the Liberal government continues to demonstrate a lack of understanding about Northern issues by downsizing staff within the Ministry of Natural Resources.
“Much of the work MNR does is focused on the North, so it’s always an easy target for cuts when the Toronto-centric Liberal government is looking to save money,” said Vanthof, the MPP for Timiskaming-Cochrane. “During the current ‘restructuring,’ the government has promised to hire more MNR staff, but up here where it matters most, all we’re seeing is more cuts.”
Recent cuts mean large areas of the North have reduced field staff, and important conservation efforts have lost much of their past visibility. Removing Ministry staff from affected communities has reduced communication and understanding of local issues.
“One area where we are seeing a real downward turn is wildlife management,” said Vanthof. “The MNR’s decision to withdraw from bear management – while passing the buck to local police – is unacceptable, and places an undue strain on local resources. Emergency services can only respond in life-threatening situations, and an information website is simply an inadequate stopgap.”
“Across the North, we are getting complaints about the MNR’s increasing inability to issue permits, reports, or evaluations in a timely fashion,” said NDP Northern Development and Mines Critic Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin. “Local offices appear to be overwhelmed, and lack of staff is creating a growing backlog.”
Tourism dollars across the North have been threatened by a problem-prone hunting license website, and cuts to provincial parks and park programs.
“As management practices of our natural resources evolve, the Ministry of Natural Resources needs to remain current,” said Vanthof. “Change in the Ministry needs to focus on maintaining and enhancing regional management. Our natural resources are managed best by the people who live and work among them.”
