The Northern Ontario Party wants the public to know it doesn’t just stand for separation. However party President Myles Clayton says that’s how the media tends to generalize the NOP. Clayton points out Northern Ontario is already a separate province. He says it has all the burdens but doesn’t see any of the benefits. As an example, he points to the surplus electricity Northern Ontario produces and yet it faces among the highest power rates in the country. Meanwhile, Clayton says the June 2018 election could create a scenario where northerners can help advance their causes. Clayton says if next year’s provincial election produces a minority government and all 11 NOP candidates are elected, the Northern Ontario Party would hold the balance of power. He adds in this instance it doesn’t matter which mainstream party forms the government. Clayton says if the next government, supports Northern Ontario in a fair and just way, then NOP will support that government.