We often don't realize just how much we have in common with other Northern Canadians.
That was very clear to me after a recent visit to Northern Ontario. I had the opportunity to visit Elliot Lake with my colleague Carol Hughes and Sudbury with my colleague Glen Thibeault. Earlier this year I visited Thunder Bay.
Wherever I went I heard concerns that were identical to our concerns in Northern Manitoba. People talked about the unique Northern concerns in regards to health and education. They talked about the challenges facing resource-based communities. They talked about transportation and infrastructure.
There was also a very real sense that Northern Canada gives a lot to this country and that we deserve something back.
There was also another common theme. We have to constantly fight for fair treatment.
Nowhere was this more apparent than with the Steelworkers strike against Vale Inco. Since mid-July the members of Steelworkers Local 6500 have been on strike against Vale Inco. They are fighting to keep some of the most fundamental rights that have been in place for decades like decent pensions. I visited the picket line to show my support for their fight.
As NDP MP for Churchill I have made it a point to work closely with my colleagues from Northern Canada. By working together we can take our common concerns and fight for fairness for Northern Canadians.
