I have watched too much history in my time to even suspect that everyone will not play this thing for maximum political benefit. The only real thing a politician understands is the ratio of votes obtained/ effort extended.

To this extent there is no better opportunity out there at such an opportune time as the ROF infrastructure question. To even think that they would put it off until after the election is ludicrous. We may not see the total benefit from whatever they promise until later, but promise they will, and the bigger the promise the better their chances are. You can bet thay will not wait until October to announce anything either, as they will want to use the news for maximum firepower.

On another note, many expect that the greatest benefit will be gained by Northern Ontario at the expense of those to the south, but I would question that assumption.

If I recall back to the mid 1950's, I lived along the rail route from Winnipeg-Thompson. The principal mode of travel was rail. From 1954, through to the early 1960's there was a full train running that route 6 days a week. There were 8- 35 passenger busses assigned to move men from the train station in Thompson to the various camps for most of that 6-7 years. The amount of rail traffic that was required to move materials into Thompson and the Dam at Kelsey to the north of there was truly phenominal, and it all came from or through Winnipeg.l

I would venture a guess that even if the local population becomes fully employed in the construction phase that will come, they will only account for 10-15% of the number required to make this ROF a reality.

Best regards

K