The recent provincial election came more than a year and a half early, as Premier Doug Ford said he needed a strong and fresh mandate in order to protect Ontario workers from the tariffs being threatened by US President Donald Trump. In the end, Premier Ford wound up with a mandate a couple of seats short of his 2022 total tally, but he did prove himself to be a canny politician and managed to secure himself a very rare third majority government.
Congratulations are due and duly deserved.
As for Algoma-Manitoulin, it holds the distinction of being the only Northern Ontario riding to oust its incumbent, as independent MPP Mike Mantha was soundly defeated, with all three major parties coming in ahead of his total.
Read our related story, “Doug Ford’s Tories win unusual third majority”
Congratulations are also due to Thessalon Mayor Bill Rosenberg who carried the Progressive Conservative banner to victory in this riding.
The riding last turned blue during the tenure of the late John Lane, a former Gore Bay mayor himself, whose time in office saw Manitoulin make great gains. We can hope that Mr. Rosenberg will accomplish much for this riding as well.
Ontario Premier Ford made it quite clear that it was in Manitoulin’s best interests to vote PC during a conversation about the Manitoulin swing bridge, as reported to The Expositor by Little Current resident Tony Ferro. We are, apparently, back in the good old days of Ontario politics, where being at the table is critically important for a riding.
This is, in large part, the reason why it is often said that Northern Ontario either votes with the government or in protest. If you can’t beat them join them?
But leaving that question for another day, Algoma-Manitoulin will very likely be well-served by Mr. Rosenberg.
As a popular mayor and businessman from the North Shore community of Thessalon, Mr. Rosenberg is only too well acquainted with the challenges that face Northern communities and, with that deep understanding of the issues, is well-equipped to meet those challenges head on. As a businessman and a politician, he can walk in both worlds with considerably stable feet and that should do well for Algoma-Manitoulin.
He certainly will have his work cut out for him.
Mr. Mantha was an enthusiastic and dedicated MPP, but even while a member of the official opposition, he was never truly “at the table” when it came to decisions impacting the riding. He could represent, he could make the case to the minister, but in the end, when the government is staunchly retail, there was only so much he could do.
Read our related story, “Algoma-Manitoulin turns blue, sends PC to Queen’s Park”
Mr. Rosenberg, for the next four years or so, will be, if not at the cabinet table, at least in the same set of seats as those who are. For the first time in over a decade, Algoma-Manitoulin is firmly “with the government.” Given the premier’s comments, this should stand us all in good stead.
So, now there is this little matter of the replacement of the Manitoulin swing bridge. The project has been mentioned in the provincial budget, albeit without any dollars attached, and the necessary environmental and heritage studies have been completed. It is ready to enter the design phase.
Premier Ford suggested we should vote Tory blue to get a seat at the table and to help grease the way. Algoma-Manitoulin did just that. So now the ball is once again in the premier’s court. It is time to “get it done.”
We wish Mr. Rosenberg all the success in both that singular endeavour and in the larger goal of making Algoma-Manitoulin and the rest of Northern Ontario a thriving and prosperous part of the province.
