Accountability is Focus of Question Period

Accountability for government spending was the main focus of Question Period in the Ontario Legislature last week.

One of the concerns we raised was about expenditures at the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs). The 14 LHINS were established by the McGuinty government in 2007. They are a new level of government bureaucracy whose mandate is to control healthcare spending. The Official Opposition pointed out that, in just three years, the number of people working for these agencies and making over $100,000 per year has more than doubled. Across Ontario, this includes 15 executives making more than $200,000. While patients and families throughout Ontario struggle with hospital bed and emergency room closures, executive salaries at local health boards have jumped by a whopping 213% in the past three years. In my view, the McGuinty government has created a new layer of bureaucracy through the introduction of the LHINs. Since 2006-2007 more than $176 million health care dollars have been directed towards salaries and administration at LHINs. This is money that’s not being spent on frontline healthcare. It’s being diverted towards more salaries and administration costs.

This government is facing a deficit of $24.7 billion in its operations for the current year. It is spending $2.8 million more per hour than it is taking in.  That’s why the emphasis must be on accountability. Members of the Official Opposition will ensure the public receives answers on healthcare scandals, the HST and the controversial $7 billion Samsung deal for renewable energy. We are also fighting for more jobs and opportunities while defending Ontario families from a rising cost of living as the result of current tax-and-spend policies.

New Commuter Parking Planned for Hwy 35/115

The Ministry of Transportation is beginning the detailed design study for a new commuter parking lot at Highway 35/115 and Highway Two in Clarington. The lot is to be located on the northeast quadrant of this interchange. It will have capacity for about 150 vehicles and will also serve as a transit facility, with integrated GO Transit bus connections. Access will be from Hwy. Two, east of Highway 35/115. The parking area will require excavation, grading, drainage, a granular base, paving and illumination. Public comments are being collected to assist the Ministry of Transportation in meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. Notices have been published in local newspapers, and the deadline for comments or suggestions is March 15, 2010. As with all provincial initiatives in our Riding, I welcome your suggestions. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.

Critic Introduces Anti-Bullying Resolution

In the Ontario Legislature last week, a resolution was passed to proclaim the third week of November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reports that one in three students experiences bullying at school, and almost one in three students have bullied someone else. Statistics indicate that, between 2003 and 2007, the incidences of bullying have remained about the same. Opposition Education Critic, Elizabeth Witmer, introduced the resolution on bullying awareness. Ms. Witmer, a former Education Minister, said: “Based on these alarmingly high statistics on bullying, the first hand concerns and reports brought to my attention and the far-reaching consequences of this behaviour, a concerted effort must be made to stop bullying.”  During Bullying Awareness Week, every Safe School Team in the province will be asked to direct the development of activities for their school to focus on awareness and prevention.

Research shows that those who are bullied may suffer anxiety, depression, substance abuse, low-self esteem and academic failure. Research also shows that those who bully learn to use aggression as a form of power and may become abusive adults or involved in violent crime.

Trillium Foundation has Online Applications
Non-profit and charitable organizations in Ontario can apply online for grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ontario government. It distributes funding to charities and not-for-profits through two granting programs: Community and Province-Wide. Within those programs, funding is allocated in four sectors: Arts and Culture, Environment, Sports and Recreation, and Human and Social Services. In November of 2009, more than 80 per cent of grant applications to OTF came from online applications. To get started, organizations can visit the web site, www.trilliumfoundation.org and click on the How to Apply link. Staff of the Ontario Trillium Foundation will continue to provide answers to questions on eligibility, deadlines and other related topics. I would be pleased to assist organizations with information they need about the program. I may be reached at (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.

Comments Invited on New WSIB Policies

The WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) is inviting comments from the public on four draft operational policies related to implementing mandatory coverage for the construction industry. The proposed policies were introduced January 18, 2010, with the deadline for input being March 31, 2010. The topics under review include: Expanded Compulsory Coverage; Insurable Earnings; Offences and Penalties; and Certificates of Clearance. The Certificate of Clearance Policy has been broken into two parts because the WSIB plans to roll out an eClearance system in 2010.  Further information is available online at www.wsib.on.ca .