Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls says he's putting a fire out before it even starts when it comes to moving fishery inspectors out of Wheatley.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union claims the provincial government plans to relocate inspectors inland to Chatham.
Union President Smokey Thomas says Wheatley is the largest concentration of freshwater fisheries on the planet — so moving the Ministry of Natural Resources inspectors is a "bone-headed" move.
"I've heard some stupid things in my time, but man this one ranks up there with the top one or two. It just makes no sense at all so whatever the flawed decision making is behind that, it is flawed. So that's why we're trying to raise public awareness here," he says. "It's in the plans, they've confirmed that. So we're just trying to get them, once they announce the plan you've got a chance at changing their mind."
Nicholls tells AM800 News the province is always looking for ways to improve efficiencies, but this isn't one of them. He's not sure what plans OPSUE is talking about.
"I have to emphasis, there are no approved plans at all to relocate officers that are stationed in Wheatley. No approved plans to relocate any officers that are stationed in Wheatley to any other location, which by the way includes Chatham," he added.
The Ontario PC accuses NDP supported members of OPSUE of fear mongering.
— With files from AM800's Paul McDonald & Peter Langille.