Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha's pushing the provincial government to address staffing issues for Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Speaking in Question Period, the independent MPP pressed Minister Graydon Smith over concerns raised by conservation officers and wildland forest firefighters about staff leaving their positions in search of better pay, with Mantha noting he previously raised those concerns with Minister Smith last fall.
Calling on Smith to immediately address the wage concerns, Mantha says government "low wage policies" are having an effect on Northern communities, noting there are only four fire crews set to operate in the Chapleau area this season - down from ten last season - emphasizing it's "vital" Ontario's Aviation, Forest Fire, and Emergency Service is "adequately staffed to respond quickly to forest fires".