Staying in touch, Dec. 27-Jan. 2
Happy New Year!
Please accept my best wishes for health and happiness in the year ahead. On Sunday, January 10, you are invited to my 2010 New Year’s Levee. The event is taking place at the Newcastle Community Hall. Hours are from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Our special guest is the Hon. Steve Peters, Speaker of the Ontario Legislature. The Levee includes a “Mine to Mace” photo exhibition. Everyone is welcome. I look forward to seeing you at the Levee.
Taxing and Spending Were Top Stories of 2009
In keeping with traditions of taking stock of the past year and looking ahead, this column includes a few observations about 2009 and thoughts on the challenges and opportunities for 2010. The Auditor General’s report on the eHealth controversy was probably the top story last year. Ontarians learned that the Province spent close to $1 billion on an electronics health records system. Unfortunately, we have little to show for this investment. Looking to the taxation side of the ledger, the McGuinty government went ahead with a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that is expected to cost Ontarians $3 billion. In my view, the ramifications of both issues will continue in the New Year.
The biggest challenge facing Queen’s Park in 2010 will be the preparation of the Ontario budget. Expenditures in the 2009 Ontario budget were $108.9 billion. The province must address a massive deficit which stood at $24.7 billion according to the latest reports. Recent economic conditions do not suggest the deficit will decline. Ontario is also facing calls to increase spending in key areas such as healthcare, social services, infrastructure, and re-training. The Second Career program is an example of a provincial initiative that has failed to meet the needs of Ontarians. Public hearings are being held in January and February to give organizations and individuals an opportunity to comment on their priorities for the next budget. How this government spends and saves will be crucial to the future of Ontario. If ever there was a need for citizens to comment on an Ontario budget, this is the year.
When the Ontario Legislature resumes, there will be several key pieces of legislation to consider, including new laws on the electoral process in Ontario and new laws governing retail energy sales. Pension reform is also high on the provincial agenda. Locally, I hope to see progress on several longstanding priorities. The year 2010 will be an opportunity to make progress towards the GO Train extension to Bowmanville and the Hwy. 407 extension. I would also like to see progress on new generating capacity at the Darlington Generating Station. This is a source of jobs and economic opportunities for Ontario. I would urge all levels of government and stakeholders to work together on this. Please keep in touch in the year ahead. Your comments are always welcome, and I would be pleased to assist you with any provincial matter.
Have Your Say on 2010 Ontario Budget
Organizations and individuals have an opportunity for input into the 2010/11 budget through the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Pre-budget public hearings take place in Niagara Falls, London, Dryden, North Bay and Kingston during the week of January 25, 2010; and in Toronto on February 1, 2, and 3, 2010. With challenges such as a projected deficit of at least $24.7 billion, introduction of the HST and pressures to increase expenditures in many sectors, 2010 will be a crucial year for Ontario.  In my view, two of the key local issues include fair funding for Lakeridge Health and support for the struggling agriculture sector. Anyone wishing to be considered to make an oral presentation to the Committee should contact the Clerk of the Committee by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2010. Telephone (416) 325-3883 / Facsimile (416) 325-3505. Collect calls are accepted. Those who do not wish to make an oral presentation but who are interested in commenting on the upcoming budget may provide written submissions to the Clerk of the Committee by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. I welcome your pre-budget comments, so that I can represent your views at Queen’s Park. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.
Olympic Flame Warms Hearts in Clarington
It was my privilege to join Durham’s federal MP, the Hon. Bev Oda; Clarington Mayor Jim Abernethy; Clarington Councillors and other special guests who welcomed the Olympic Flame to Clarington last week.  Congratulations to all the runners who carried the torch in this Olympic Relay and to the thousands who cheered them on. You are outstanding ambassadors of the Olympic Spirit.  The Olympic Flame entered Ontario on December 11 at Hawkesbury and will be carried by more than 2,900 people, through 232 communities, before leaving the province January 5.  The Olympic Torch Relay passes within less than a one-hour drive of 92 per cent of the Ontario population.
Burketon Snowboarder Wins World Cup Gold
Congratulations to Durham Riding’s Olympic contender, Matthew Morison, on his gold medal win in Colorado this month. Matt, who is from Burketon, competes in the Snowboard FIS Parallel Giant Slalom World Cup events. Unfortunately, Matt suffered an injury to his elbow in a second giant slalom race following his World Cup victory. I know everyone wishes him a speedy recovery and continued success at both the World Cup and the 2010 Olympics.
Province Announces New Fishing Regulations
The 2010 fishing regulations provide new rules and new opportunities for Ontario’s anglers. Some of the changes associated with the 2010 rules include year-round fishing for crappie, sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike in the Kawartha Lakes area. There will also be longer fall seasons for bass and muskellunge in the Kawartha Lakes area.
Ontario’s summer Family Fishing Weekend has been extended to a full Family Fishing Week in July. The 2010 fishing regulations guide is available at ontario.ca/fishing. Printed copies will be available by December 31 at licence issuers and ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres. Regulations for some species have been revised to ensure fish stocks are sustainable. Anglers are encouraged to check the regulations for their area before they go fishing.

Happy New Year!

Please accept my best wishes for health and happiness in the year ahead. On Sunday, January 10, you are invited to my 2010 New Year’s Levee. The event is taking place at the Newcastle Community Hall. Hours are from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Our special guest is the Hon. Steve Peters, Speaker of the Ontario Legislature. The Levee includes a “Mine to Mace” photo exhibition. Everyone is welcome. I look forward to seeing you at the Levee.

Taxing and Spending Were Top Stories of 2009

In keeping with traditions of taking stock of the past year and looking ahead, this column includes a few observations about 2009 and thoughts on the challenges and opportunities for 2010. The Auditor General’s report on the eHealth controversy was probably the top story last year. Ontarians learned that the Province spent close to $1 billion on an electronics health records system. Unfortunately, we have little to show for this investment. Looking to the taxation side of the ledger, the McGuinty government went ahead with a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that is expected to cost Ontarians $3 billion. In my view, the ramifications of both issues will continue in the New Year.

The biggest challenge facing Queen’s Park in 2010 will be the preparation of the Ontario budget. Expenditures in the 2009 Ontario budget were $108.9 billion. The province must address a massive deficit which stood at $24.7 billion according to the latest reports. Recent economic conditions do not suggest the deficit will decline. Ontario is also facing calls to increase spending in key areas such as healthcare, social services, infrastructure, and re-training. The Second Career program is an example of a provincial initiative that has failed to meet the needs of Ontarians. Public hearings are being held in January and February to give organizations and individuals an opportunity to comment on their priorities for the next budget. How this government spends and saves will be crucial to the future of Ontario. If ever there was a need for citizens to comment on an Ontario budget, this is the year.

When the Ontario Legislature resumes, there will be several key pieces of legislation to consider, including new laws on the electoral process in Ontario and new laws governing retail energy sales. Pension reform is also high on the provincial agenda. Locally, I hope to see progress on several longstanding priorities. The year 2010 will be an opportunity to make progress towards the GO Train extension to Bowmanville and the Hwy. 407 extension. I would also like to see progress on new generating capacity at the Darlington Generating Station. This is a source of jobs and economic opportunities for Ontario. I would urge all levels of government and stakeholders to work together on this. Please keep in touch in the year ahead. Your comments are always welcome, and I would be pleased to assist you with any provincial matter.

Have Your Say on 2010 Ontario Budget

Organizations and individuals have an opportunity for input into the 2010/11 budget through the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Pre-budget public hearings take place in Niagara Falls, London, Dryden, North Bay and Kingston during the week of January 25, 2010; and in Toronto on February 1, 2, and 3, 2010. With challenges such as a projected deficit of at least $24.7 billion, introduction of the HST and pressures to increase expenditures in many sectors, 2010 will be a crucial year for Ontario.  In my view, two of the key local issues include fair funding for Lakeridge Health and support for the struggling agriculture sector. Anyone wishing to be considered to make an oral presentation to the Committee should contact the Clerk of the Committee by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2010. Telephone (416) 325-3883 / Facsimile (416) 325-3505. Collect calls are accepted. Those who do not wish to make an oral presentation but who are interested in commenting on the upcoming budget may provide written submissions to the Clerk of the Committee by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. I welcome your pre-budget comments, so that I can represent your views at Queen’s Park. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.

Olympic Flame Warms Hearts in Clarington

It was my privilege to join Durham’s federal MP, the Hon. Bev Oda; Clarington Mayor Jim Abernethy; Clarington Councillors and other special guests who welcomed the Olympic Flame to Clarington last week.  Congratulations to all the runners who carried the torch in this Olympic Relay and to the thousands who cheered them on. You are outstanding ambassadors of the Olympic Spirit.  The Olympic Flame entered Ontario on December 11 at Hawkesbury and will be carried by more than 2,900 people, through 232 communities, before leaving the province January 5.  The Olympic Torch Relay passes within less than a one-hour drive of 92 per cent of the Ontario population.

Burketon Snowboarder Wins World Cup Gold

Congratulations to Durham Riding’s Olympic contender, Matthew Morison, on his gold medal win in Colorado this month. Matt, who is from Burketon, competes in the Snowboard FIS Parallel Giant Slalom World Cup events. Unfortunately, Matt suffered an injury to his elbow in a second giant slalom race following his World Cup victory. I know everyone wishes him a speedy recovery and continued success at both the World Cup and the 2010 Olympics.

Province Announces New Fishing Regulations

The 2010 fishing regulations provide new rules and new opportunities for Ontario’s anglers. Some of the changes associated with the 2010 rules include year-round fishing for crappie, sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike in the Kawartha Lakes area. There will also be longer fall seasons for bass and muskellunge in the Kawartha Lakes area.

Ontario’s summer Family Fishing Weekend has been extended to a full Family Fishing Week in July. The 2010 fishing regulations guide is available at ontario.ca/fishing. Printed copies will be available by December 31 at licence issuers and ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres. Regulations for some species have been revised to ensure fish stocks are sustainable. Anglers are encouraged to check the regulations for their area before they go fishing.