On Wed. April 26th delegates to to the 60th Annual meeting and Conference of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association in Thunder Bay were visited by Premier Dalton McGuinty during the opening reception. The Premier addressed the municipal delegates, outlining recent announcments affecting the Northwest Region and also took a shot at a few self appointed committee members from the northwest, who are talking about separation from the province (as a way to get the Governments attention?) The Premier reminded the delegates that the way to get things accomplished and move forward, was to cooperate and stick together when facing the issues affected by the highly competitive global economy.

The Premier took the time to talk with some of the delegates, and I took advantage of the time to discuss the sale of the International Bridge. He asked if more information had been released by the Company, and what stage it was at, and I advised him that we were awaiting a review of the fiinancial data by the province and state and also waiting to here from the Federal Gov. (Minister Cannon) to discuss thier part (Customs) in the matter. I assured him that I would be contacting his Minister of Transportation in the near future on the progress (or lack there of) in hope of insuring Public ownership.