When it comes to naming the two new ridings in Ontario’s far north, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says the Liberals have done a disservice to First Nations with one of those names. Fedeli says the Grand Chiefs and Chiefs are upset with the name Mushkegowuk-James Bay for the northeast riding because there was no consultation. Fedeli says the First Nation leaders publicly said at hearings that although they were flattered that a First Nation name would be chosen, the Liberals didn’t ask about using it. In addition, the name of the riding doesn’t truly reflect the make-up of the population. Fedeli says that’s because the riding is more than 60 percent Francophone with Aboriginal representation that falls under 30 percent. The bulk of the riding’s population comes from the towns surrounding Timmins, like Hearst and Kapuskasing.
Fedeli says there is no issue with the name of the second riding, which is in Northwestern Ontario. This riding, Kiiwetinoong, has a 68 percent Indigenous population. Fedeli says First Nation leaders were upset enough that they asked the Liberals not to have the Mushkegowuk-James Bay name in place for the 2018 provincial election and take the time to have a proper name in place for the following election. He says they asked that it not be done now so that it’s done right. But Fedeli says “the Liberals did it now and they did it wrong”. Following the hearings, Fedeli proposed removing the name Mushkegowuk and letting Elections Ontario consult and come up with an appropriate name. He says instead the Liberals turned down the amendment suggestion. Fedeli adds the Liberals will re-examine the name at some point. The MPP also says, the name controversy aside, the creation of two new ridings in Northern Ontario is great news. He says because these voters make up the far north, and will have their own voice, they will bring a completely different perspective to the Legislature.