Michael Mantha

Michael Mantha, the MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, pressed Graydon Smith the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry on staffing issues in his ministry during Question Period this week. He says conservation officers and wildland forest firefighters have raised alarms about staff leaving their positions in search of better pay. Mantha states if employees are not paid a fair wage, they will end up looking for work elsewhere adding despite the demands placed on them, they are being grossly underpaid by this government. For example, he adds, In Chapleau, there are four fire crews set to operate this season, down from 10 last season. Mantha called on the Minister to immediately address the wage concerns raised by both the conservation officers and the wildland fire fighters. [END]