Ontario Provides $1 Million to Help Victims in Haiti

Our thoughts and prayers are with the earthquake victims and the various emergency personnel from around the world who are coming to their assistance. The Province of Ontario is providing $1 million for immediate emergency aid to help Haiti recover from the devastating earthquake Tuesday, January 12. The money will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross as part of the global assistance effort.  In addition, Ontario has offered to assist the federal government with personnel and equipment. Ontario is also offering its expertise in healthcare, search and rescue, forensic services and clean drinking water. It is encouraging to see the response from citizens, governments, relief organizations and so many others who want to help our neighbours in Haiti. The Haitian situation reminds us of how fortunate we are.

Extended Kindergartens Start Next September

Last week, the provincial government published a list of almost 600 schools where the full-day learning program for four and five-year-olds will be available. This new program will accommodate about 35,000 students in Ontario. Schools in Durham Riding hosting the first of these programs include: St. Elizabeth School in Bowmanville; Central Public School in Bowmanville; Cartwright Central Public School in Blackstock; and Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Port Perry.

As part of Ontario’s full-day learning plan, parents can choose to enroll their child in the extended day plan that provides before- and after-school programming for a fee. Subsidies may be available, based on need, for families who qualify. For example, the before and after school program might run from 7– 9 a.m. and 3:30 – 6 p.m. It is my understanding that the program would operate on the regular school calendar. It is important to recognize the value of early learning. At the same time, one concern that has been brought to my attention is about the role of parents in raising their kids. It is important for parents to have the time and the resources to devote to their families. No matter how good a school program may be, it cannot take the place of parents and families in forming responsible citizens who will achieve their full potential in life.

Parents are understandably concerned over whether the provincial government will have enough money to provide equal access to these programs by the target date of 2015/16. Remember that the Province of Ontario is already projecting a $24.7 billion deficit for the current fiscal year. All-day kindergarten will cost taxpayers $1.5 billion and may increase primary class sizes to 26 for our youngest learners. There is no funding to increase space or renovate existing facilities. It remains to be seen whether the government can keep its promises on the extended kindergarten program. I welcome your comments. I may be reached at: 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 or by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.

Tips for Safe Snowmobiling

Ontario offers 40,000 kilometres of maintained, interconnected snowmobile trails that offer great opportunities for winter recreation. Sadly, the sport of snowmobiling is not without risks. Last winter, 23 individuals died while snowmobiling. To reduce the risk of injury or fatalities, riders are strongly encouraged to follow these important safety tips:

• Check the weather forecast and contact your local snowmobile club for trail and ice conditions.
• Read your owner’s manual to learn about the safe operation of your sled.
• Plan a route that avoids frozen lakes or rivers. Ride marked trails only.
• Leave the alcohol behind. Even one drink will affect your judgment, slow your reactions and increase your risk of fatigue and hypothermia.
• Never ride alone; always travel with a friend.
• Wear a buoyant snowmobile suit. Carry picks in case you break through the ice.
• Pack a survival kit that includes a first aid kit, trail map and compass, matches/lighter in a waterproof container, a knife or axe, flashlight, whistle and high energy food such as nuts or granola bars.
• Tell someone at home where you are going, what route you will take, and when you plan to return.

Remember that, whether you are driving a snowmobile or a car, the consequences of impaired driving are the same. If convicted of impaired driving on a snowmobile, you will lose all driving privileges for a minimum of one year. Ontario’s snowmobile trails are regularly patrolled by police services and volunteers.

Law Requires Full Disclosure by Car Dealers

Effective January 1, Ontario’s car and truck dealers have more responsibilities when selling vehicles. Changes in the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 2002 mean that dealers must disclose a vehicle’s true condition and history before consumers sign contracts. Dealers are required to collect and disclose more than 20 facts about a vehicle’s history, including liens, replaced panels or parts, and prior collisions. When advertising, they must also use “all-inclusive” pricing that includes freight and other miscellaneous charges. The new law does not cover private sales. More information is available online atwww.buywithconfidence.ca. The MVDA 2002 is administered by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) on behalf of the Ontario government.

Solar Energy Course Available in Clarington

In early February of 2010, Kanatex Corporation Ltd. will offer a Solar Energy Course at its Renewable Energy facility located near Newcastle. This will be a six-month program in training solar technicians. The course includes basic fundamentals, classroom theory, lab projects and field work. Further information is available online at www.collegeofrenewableenergy.com. I would like to congratulate Phil Coulter, P.Eng. and his colleagues on launching this new venture to help meet the demand for qualified solar energy technicians.