THUNDER BAY ON ----  April 28, 2009  – Rafferty delivered a letter to Minister Baird today asking him to reconsider his recent public comments on the subject and ensure the federal government contributes its share of the money for this “important” national and regional project.  The Canadian Autoworkers estimate that more than 300 jobs could be created in Thunder Bay if the eight-year, $1.2 billion TTC-Bombardier goes ahead as planned.

John Rafferty,  Thunder Bay – Rainy River Member of Parliament  believes that the Conservative government is laying the groundwork to reject federal funding for the recently announced TTC-Bombardier deal, and is outraged by Transport Minister John Baird’s public musings on the subject.

“It’s obvious that the Conservatives are trying to get out of funding the TTC-Bombardier deal and helping create and protect jobs in Thunder Bay,” Rafferty said.  Rafferty was responding to Transport Minister John Baird comments that the recently announced deal may not qualify for federal funds because; “We [Conservatives] want to create jobs now.  That’s a 10 year contract.”

“It’s mindboggling.  Here we are in a deep recession and the Conservatives appear to be trying to back out of funding a deal that will create and save hundreds of jobs in Thunder Bay, help our largest city with its infrastructure needs, and help a Canadian industrial heavyweight stay ahead of their international competitors,” Rafferty said. “I can’t figure out if they’re trying to settle old political scores, don’t care about the people Northwestern Ontario or both.”