Ontario Needs Jobs, Not Empty Promises

As Ontarians comment on the priorities for the next provincial budget, it is clear that there must be control over spending, full accountability, and an open job creation plan.

Unfortunately, much of the talk about job creation currently consists of long-term promises. We have been told, for example that there will be 50,000 jobs from the Green Energy Act. The provincial government’s HST sales pitch claims that this new tax will somehow create 600,000 jobs. And in the 2009 budget, 400,000 jobs were promised. That’s a total of one million jobs that have been promised. 

The fact is that Ontario has lost more than 140,000 jobs last year alone.

My challenge to the McGuinty government is to stop the reckless promises of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the next five and ten years. The question is: How many new jobs will be created in 2010? Furthermore, what is this government’s plan to help create the conditions in which these jobs will flourish? If Ontario’s 2010 budget starts from a serious commitment to jobs and the economy, the rest of the financial plan will fall into place.

 There are a number of measures being proposed by the Official Opposition in support of a stronger Ontario economy. These include a one-year payroll tax holiday that will make it more affordable for small business to hire new staff; reductions in red tape; and helping Ontario families and seniors who stand to get hit the hardest by the HST. In the budget process, good ideas have been tabled by charitable organizations, municipalities, healthcare groups, students, seniors, farmers, businesses, and indeed citizens from all walks of life. The challenge for Ontario is to act on that advice, to rebuild the provincial economy and restore Ontario’s potential as a great place in which to live, to work and to invest. But, let each of us recognize that Ontario cannot spend its way out of debt. 

Schools Have New Rules Against Bullying

Effective February 1, Ontario schools have new obligations to report incidents of violence and bullying. Ontario is the first province in Canada to require all school staff to report serious student incidents — including bullying — to the principal. In these situations, principals are also required to contact parents of victims. The new legislation from the Keeping Our Kids Safe at School Act also requires school staff to respond to inappropriate, disrespectful behaviour among students, as well as acts which can lead to suspension and expulsion. It is intended to address the reporting gap between principals, teachers and parents. I am interested in your response to this most recent anti-bullying strategy. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.

Student Summer Job Info Posted Online

More than 100,000 students will find jobs and gain important work experience this year through provincial initiatives that help young people find summer jobs. More information is available online at: www.ontario.ca/summerjobs .

Ontario’s summer job programs and services are open to students aged 15 to 30 years who are planning to return to school this fall.  Last year, these programs helped over 110,000 students find employment. Employers are also being encouraged to hire students through a $2-per-hour hiring incentive. Through Employment Ontario’s Summer Jobs website, students can find job listings and get help with their marketing/resume-writing skills. Information on how to start their own Summer Company is also available, as is information about summer jobs with the Ontario government.

Some government programs that help students find work include: Ontario Public Service Summer Employment Opportunities; and Ontario’s Rangers and Stewardship Rangers, summer jobs for disadvantaged youth aged 15-18 years, and summer law student opportunities. Contact our Constituency Office if you need assistance.

Collection Agencies Top Consumer Complaints

Collection agencies, home repairs, and motor vehicle sales were the most common topics for consumer complaints in Ontario last year.

In an effort to educate and protect consumers, the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services lists the top 10 complaints each year.  In 2009, the complaints included: 1.) Collection agencies 2.) Home repairs/renovations 3.) Motor vehicle purchases 4.) Appliances 5.) Credit reporting 6.) Home furnishings 7.) Motor vehicle repairs 8.) Health and fitness clubs 9.) Energy brokers and 10.) Telephone long distance.

Last year, the Ministry of Consumer Services conducted 597 compliance inspections and laid 2,777 charges. The Ministry obtained over $528,000 worth of mediated refunds and cancelled or rescinded contracts. Consumers looking for advice on dealing with the above topics, or who have a complaint, can contact the Ministry of Consumer Services toll-free at 1-800-889-9768 or via e-mail at consumer@ontario.ca . You can also visit the Ministry’s web site at  www.ontario.ca/consumerservices.

Ontario Expands Reciprocal Licence Agreements

Ontario has recently entered into agreements between Australia and the Isle of Man to enable new residents to exchange their valid driver’s licence for an Ontario licence when they relocate. If a reciprocal agreement is in place, drivers from another jurisdiction can get an Ontario licence without additional testing. Reciprocal drivers’ licence agreements are signed once a stringent review has determined that each system provides the necessary skills to safely operate a vehicle on one another’s roads. Drivers still need to meet vision and medical standards. Ontario has reciprocal driver’s licence exchange agreements with Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, the United States and all Canadian provinces and territories.

These partnerships reduce unnecessary testing and delay for new residents, while keeping Ontario roads safe. I found this to be an interesting announcement by the Ministry, since I have three daughters who have lived in these countries and raised with me the issue of transferrable driver’s licences. It is good to know that additional agreements are being approved.