Government Must Tend Economy’s “Green Shoots”
There is cause for optimism, but lingering concerns as Ontario’s economy moves into the final half of 2009. The latest figures from Statistics Canada show Ontario employment rose slightly in July. There was a decline in the jobless rate of 0.3 per cent over the previous month. There were still losses in Ontario’s construction sector.

The latest numbers confirm the hope for a recovery. However, the government must take a leadership role in tending those so-called “green shoots.” Unfortunately, the McGunity government’s handling of the eHealth scandal shows it is not doing enough to ensure accountability for spending our tax dollars. Most recently, there are revelations that a single speech by the former CEO of eHealth cost taxpayers $25,000 in terms of the preparation of the original speech plus revisions and additional work by consultants. The amount eHealth spent on untendered contracts is looking more like $16 million, rather than the original $5 million. And, despite previous promises that there would be an independent review by an outside accounting firm, the provincial government has downgraded its response to a single review by Ontario’s Auditor General. At this point, what we need is to bring eHealth before a sub-committee of the Legislature where all parties can ask questions on behalf of the citizens of Ontario. Perhaps then Ontarians will be assured that this government is taking accountability seriously.

The second cloud over the economy is the impact of the Provincial Sales Tax. It will cover dozens of items and services not already subject to tax. For example, seniors enjoying a coffee and a muffin at their local coffee shop will pay an extra $50 per year for these two items alone. Or a family of four treating themselves to a $3.99 meal once a week will have to pay another $66 per year.

If the McGuinty government can reject the old routines of tax and spend, there is chance of the economy’s “green shoots” flourishing in the months ahead. The government’s response remains to be seen. The Official Opposition will ensure the failing provincial economy will remain our top focus in the Legislature’s agenda this fall.

Search Begins for Ontario’s “Worst Roads”
Last week, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) launched its seventh annual CAA Worst Roads Campaign. Drivers who want to report a road or a bridge in particularly bad shape are invited to visit the web site, www.worstroads.ca. If you are planning to nominate a road or a bridge in Clarington, Scugog or Uxbridge, I would appreciate being copied on your concerns. If it’s a road under provincial jurisdiction, I’ll ensure the problem is also brought to the attention of the Minister of Transportation.

Summer Company Grads Build Business Skills
Congratulations to the young entrepreneurs with skills in music, BMX bike repairs, computers and helping around the home who launched their own summer businesses here in Durham Riding. They were participants in the 2009 Summer Company program. Summer Company is for enterprising students from 15 to 29 years of age, with an interest in starting and running their own summer business. In addition to lots of hands-on experience, participants receive mentoring from local leaders in the business community. Accepted students are eligible to receive up to $1,500 for start-up costs, plus up to $1,500 upon successfully completing the program. This is in addition to the profits earned through the company itself.

With 99 per cent of all Ontario businesses having fewer than 500 employees, entrepreneurs and small business are a driving force in the provincial economy. Since Summer Company program began in 2001, over 2,000 students have learned how they can join Ontario’s entrepreneurs.

With school resuming in a few weeks, the Summer Company program is drawing to a close. But, it’s not too early to look ahead and plan a summer business. Details of Summer Company are located at the web site, www.sbe.gov.on.ca. You can complete an application inquiry if you want to be notified when applications will be accepted in 2010.

Other examples of programs fostering entrepreneurship among youth include: the Ontario Global Edge program for post-secondary institutions, the Future Entrepreneurs curriculum book, and the Ontario Secondary School Business Plan Competition.

Legislative Pages Work & Learn at Queen’s Park
Grade seven and eight students returning to the classroom may be interested in applying to work in the Ontario Legislature as a Parliamentary Page. They serve a term of duty lasting up to six weeks as assistants to the staff of the Legislative Assembly.

Students must have an academic standing of 80 per cent or higher in order to apply. They must be actively involved in extra-curricular activities, both in and outside of school. They must also show an interest in current affairs and get along well with both their peers and adults. Ontario residency is required.

For grade seven students, applications must be returned to the Legislative Assembly by June 15 for the Fall session and December 15 for the Spring session. For grade eight students, completed application packages must be received by December 15 of the year they enter grade eight.

MPPs do not have a say in selecting pages. However, I would be pleased to provide families and individuals with any information that they may need. You can also visit the web site of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario at www.ontla.on.ca .

As with all provincial programs, if you need further information or assistance, please contact my Constituency Office. We may be reached at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org or 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433.