Mining royalties for Sudbury need provincial attention: Rodriguez

A former Sudbury mayor and Nickel Belt MP says the lack of discussion about mining royalties in the Sudbury byelection race is shocking.

John Rodriguez said mining companies make huge profits from the ore that's taken from Sudbury and the province should mandate the companies return a portion of it to the city to put into things such as roads.

Candidates need to take a stand on the issue, he said.

I cannot understand, and I wish someone would explain it to me why they don't think that's an important issue, he said.

I think it's a question of fairness and justice.

This is what some of the candidates have told CBC News:

Liberal Glenn Thibeault said his party thinks Sudbury should benefit from mining projects.

NDP candidate Suzanne Shawbonquit suggested a negotiated deal on royalties, but doesn't think it's an issue people are talking about.

Green candidate David Robinson called the lack of royalties appalling and anti-development.

And Independent Andrew Olivier said he wants the province to allocate a higher percentage of transfer dollars to Sudbury in recognition of the royalties collected.