THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Andrea Horwath is defending her plan for northern Ontario as her opponents question the New Democrats’ commitment to job creation in the region.
Speaking at a Bombardier plant in Thunder Bay, the NDP leader touted her party’s Buy Ontario plan, which critics have blasted as a protectionist policy that would hamper industry.
Horwath also rejected Liberal accusations that she voted against transit investments that would have brought work to the north, saying the proposals were buried in omnibus budget bills.
Get breaking National news
The Liberals maintain the NDP’s northern platform will cost the struggling region jobs.
The Buy Ontario program is a key part of the party’s plan to create and protect jobs – particularly those in manufacturing – in northern Ontario.
It would force public organizations to buy Ontario products as long as there are some available at a cost within 10 per cent of competing products.
They would otherwise have to buy Canadian products at a cost within five per cent.
Horwath is on her second tour of the north, with another planned next week for a debate on northern issues.
Comments