MPP Protest Sends a Clear Message Against HST

Governments are expected to hold public hearings when significant new legislation is introduced. For example, back in 2005, there were four days of hearings into Ontario’s ban on pit bulls. One would think the McGuinty government’s $3 billion tax increase under the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) deserves a similar opportunity for the public to speak. This new tax policy is very significant shift. It shifts government revenues from payroll and corporate tax to taxing all consumption.

It was the lack of consultation that sparked the unusual protest in the Ontario Legislature by MPPs Randy Hillier and Bill Murdoch. Essentially, they said they were not leaving the Legislature until meaningful public hearings were held. They stayed put for about 48 hours to show that our caucus is ready to stand with the citizens of Ontario against the HST and in favour of public hearings.  I support the stance my colleagues took.

The protest has made several points. First, it drew the attention of many Ontarians to the plan to introduce an eight per cent sales tax on dozens of goods and services not currently subject to provincial tax. Home heating fuel, electricity, gasoline at the pumps, home renovations, cable TV and real estate fees are just a few examples of the things that will cost 8% more as of July 1, 2010 under HST. Other examples include haircuts, dry cleaning, veterinary bills, health and fitness, financial services, and even funerals.

The HST showdown also shows how far this government will go to avoid public input and scrutiny. The Opposition caucus had agreed to halt the protest if even one day of open hearings were held outside the Queen’s Park bubble. The McGuinty government refused.

For the past two years, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs has held public consultations in 11 major Ontario cities. Similar pre-budget consultations are being planned for 2010. It’s hard to believe that routine budget discussions deserve hearings, but the biggest sales tax increase in Ontario doesn’t rate a whisper of comment outside Toronto. Even within Queen’s Park, the debate is limited to less than two days.

Back in 2005, the amendment to the Dog Owners Liability Act rated four days of public hearings in Toronto, Barrie and Brantford. There were more than 100 organizations and individuals who had a chance to comment on the pit bull legislation. This time, it’s Ontario’s citizens and MPPs who are being muzzled. That’s the reason for the HST protest last week. In my view, the protest isn’t over yet.  No matter how you look at this new tax increase, the government is doing it for the main motive to increase tax revenues.

Expanded Access to Cancer Drug

Ontario is expanding access to Avastin for colorectal cancer patients who are responding well to treatment.  The Ontario Public Drug Programs will now cover the cost of Avastin for patients who require the treatment beyond 16 cycles, if medical evidence from a physician indicates there has been no disease progression. The new criteria, announced November 29, will allow funded treatment of Avastin up to 24 cycles. Treatment with Avastin beyond 24 cycles could still be available on advice from the patient’s doctor or oncologist.

Bill 179 Gives More Choices in Healthcare Access

With the passage of Bill 179, Ontarians will soon have enhanced access to health care and more choices in who provides it. The Bill was passed unanimously last week. Upon proclamation, it will give nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physiotherapists and other health professionals the freedom to provide a wider range of health care services. Regulated health professionals are encouraged to work more collaboratively.

January Deadline for Volunteer Awards

Now is the time to nominate the special people throughout Ontario who build stronger communities by being volunteers.  There are three categories, which cover youths and adults from every possible sector:

• Volunteer Service Awards – recognize continuous years of service with a community organization
• The June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award (JCOAA) – recognizes superlative volunteer work undertaken by individuals, groups or businesses
• The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers – is presented to outstanding young people who volunteer and who are between the ages of 15 and 24.

Deadlines are January 25, 2010 for the Volunteer Service Awards; January 15 for the June Callwood Award; and January 31 for the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers.

Further information is available online at www.ontario.ca\honoursandawards . You can also contact our Constituency Office for information. We may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.

Accountability is Focus of Private Member’s Bill

Burlington MPP Joyce Savoline wants to make 21 publicly funded government agencies more accountable to the public. Last week, she introduced a Private Members Bill to make these agencies subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For the past several months, through Freedom of Information requests, the PC Caucus has been successfully uncovering reckless spending of taxpayer money at government agencies like eHealth Ontario and the OLG to name a few. The aim of this Bill is to ensure the tools are in place for all 21 agencies that are currently not subject to the FIPPA legislation, to be reviewed and scrutinized to ensure value for money. Ms Savoline said MPPs owe it to Ontarians to make these agencies accessible and open to review. This will ensure transparency, accountability and the wise expenditure of public money.