MPP Lou Rinaldi responds to comments, saying out of context

Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi said his remarks last Thursday in Queen’s Park were taken out of context.

By Joseph Carin

BELLEVILLE – Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi found himself in a lot of hot water this week after he heckled a fellow MPP at Queen’s Park last Thursday.

He claims the remarks were taken out of context, but the opposition is having none of it.

The Liberal MPP is accused of saying Ontario’s north is a ‘no man’s land’. But Rinaldi said today the comment is being misconstrued.

“I was addressing my remarks to MPP Vic Fedeli and made the comment that he was in ‘no man’s land,’ referring specifically to him being completely alone in his opinion about changes to the Election Finances Act,” wrote Rinaldi in a press release.

“As a long-time rural MPP, we share many of the same challenges as our friends in Northern Ontario. I am more than aware and sensitive of how important our voice needs to be when we are not part of large urban centres,” he said in the release.

However, Niagara-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff heard the remark in the legislature and drew public attention to it. Once public, Northern MPPs Vic Fedeli (Nipissing) and Ross Romaro (Sault Ste. Marie) individually sent letters to Rinaldi extending an invitation to experience the rich history and beauty of the north.

“We are a city filled with wonderful tourist attractions that serve to promote our history as one of the oldest cities in the country, and a natural beauty filled with breathtaking views and landscapes once made famous by the Group of Seven,” wrote Romano in his own press release.

It was an opinion shared by Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown.

“While I’m disappointed that MPP Rinaldi has neglected to apologize for his hurtful comments, [it’s] time we turn this negative story [positive],” said Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown in his own press release.

“I’ve been to Northern Ontario 27 times since I was elected leader of the Ontario PCs. The north has so much to offer. From beautiful landscapes to a dynamic population,” he said.