What the Throne Speech Didn’t Say

Ontario’s MPPs are in the midst of debating the merits of the McGuinty Government’s Throne Speech. Here are a few priorities and policies that were either absent from the Throne Speech or hardly mentioned.

• Deficit Reduction: Ontario’s operating budget debt is $27.4 billion. Yet the Throne Speech offers just 24 words on how to reduce a debt of $2.8 million per hour. That’s hardly a plan to tackle the deficit and balance Ontario’s books.
• Hwy. 407 extension or the New Build at Darlington: Neither initiative was in the Throne Speech.
• Accountability: Ensuring governments are open and accountable must be a continuing priority. There is little in the Throne Speech to suggest ongoing measures that will prevent a repetition of the eHealth scandal and related controversies about spending and awarding contracts.
• Pension Reforms: An estimated four million working Ontarians have no pensions. Improved pension schemes are certainly a top priority for Ontarians and some legislation is already under consideration. Why was there no mention in the Throne Speech?
• Sale of Public Assets: There’s no mention on how the assets will be sold, although the Legislature has learned that financial firm has been hired to look into the matter.

The Ontario budget is an important partner to the Throne Speech in explaining the direction this government will take for the balance of its mandate. Look for a budget in late March.

 Time for Action on Long-Term Care

There are currently 26,000 people waiting for long-term care space in Ontario. That’s up from 12,000 in 2005. It is estimated that 17.2 percent of Ontario hospital beds are occupied by Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients who are essentially waiting for long-term care homes or other support services. I might add that ALC beds are very expensive, placing additional pressures on hospitals. Unfortunately, hospitals cannot provide the home-like environment and privacy that long-term care patients need. The government’s Aging at Home Strategy is a four-year, $1.1 billion program that has reached its 3rd year. The fact that long-term care waiting lists have never been longer is proof that this government must take decisive action to address the needs of our growing senior population. These are the men and women who have built our province. Seniors are entitled to accommodations providing dignity, comfort and respect. If your family has experience in arranging long-term care for a loved one, I would like to hear your thoughts about the process and general observations. Your comments on provincial issues are always welcome. I may be reached at: 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.

 Minimum Wage to Increase March 31

Ontario is raising the hourly minimum wage to $10.25 on March 31, 2010.  Since 2004, the minimum wage has been increased from $6.85. The rate of $10.25 applies to general wages. There are other hourly rates in effect for students, liquor servers, hunting and fishing guides and home workers. Details are available online at the Ministry of Labour web site, www.labour.gov.on.ca . I am interested in your views.

 Applications Open for Healthy Communities Fund

Under the Healthy Communities Fund (HCF), eligible organizations are encouraged to provide programs and projects that help prevent chronic disease and keep Ontarians healthy. Programs may be provided in the following categories: physical activity, sport and recreation; healthy eating; mental health; reducing tobacco use and exposure; preventing alcohol/substance misuse; and preventing injuries. Eligible groups include: incorporated non-for-profit organizations, first nations communities, Ontario municipalities, colleges and universities and conservation authorities.  The deadline is April 23, 2010 at 12:00 noon. I urge local community organizations to investigate this possible source of funds.

 Worker Adviser Helps With WSIB Claims

The Office of the Worker Adviser can help with your Workplace Insurance Claim. (Formerly called Workers’ Compensation). This is an independent agency of the Ontario Ministry of Labour, which can be reached at 1-800-435-8980 and online at www.owa.gov.on.ca. They can help by providing information and advice on workplace insurance matters, the appeal process, and returning to work. On Monday, March 29, 2010, the local Office of the Worker Adviser will be available for private consultations on individual cases in Oshawa. The location is the John Howard Society at 75 Richmond St. W. Hours for this special WSIB clinic will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 Hearings on Energy, Elections and Pensions

Hearings into Bill 235, Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2010, will take place Monday, March 22, and Wednesday, March 24 before a committee of the Legislative Assembly in Toronto. This proposed legislation has new rules governing door-to-door sales of retail contracts for electricity. The deadline is March 17 for those who wish to be considered to make an oral presentation and March 24 at 5 p.m. for written submissions.  Further information is available from the committee. (416) 325-3509. Collect calls are accepted.

 New laws governing Ontario elections (Bill 231) are to be discussed in public hearings March 24 and March 31. The proposed legislation gives greater flexibility for voters casting their ballots. The deadline to apply for an oral presentation is 4:00 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2010. The deadline for written submissions is 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Information is also available at (416) 325-3505.

 The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will hold two public hearings on Bill 236, An Act to amend the Pension Benefits Act. The meetings are in Toronto Wednesday, March 31, 2010 and Thursday, April 1, 2010. Interested persons who wish to be considered to make an oral presentation should contact the Committee by 12:00 noon on Monday, March 22, 2010. Written submissions are accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2010. Telephone the committee at (416) 325-3883. Collect calls are accepted.