"No Man's Land" Backlash Continues

The backlash over local MPP Lou Rinaldi’s “No Man’s Land” statement in the legislature last Thursday during debate of adding two new ridings to Northern Ontario isn’t calming down.  

The Timmins Press reports that Northern Ontario Party leader Trevor Holliday has now demanded that Rinaldi resign, calling the statement an insult to the nearly 800,000 people who call Northern Ontario home. 

North Bay Mayor Al McDonald called the comment “a kick in the teeth” and said Rinaldi’s comments may have damaged Northern Ontario's brand. 

During question period on Monday, Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano said he does not represent a no man's land but the people of Sault Ste. Marie.

Romano said as northerners, we take great offence to these comments.

In his defence, Rinaldi told CBC News that his heckling was misinterpreted and that it was directed at MPP Vic Fedeli and comments he was making. 

Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff says he heard Rinaldi make the comment and Fedeli claims he left the legislative chamber before the incident.