Budget is a Lost Opportunity to Support New Jobs

As countries and provinces around the world slowly emerge from recession, Ontario families deserve to see their own government deliver a real plan that will once again make our province the best place in the world to invest, start a business, and create jobs. We cannot put off the necessary decisions. The 2010 Ontario budget was Dalton McGunity’s opportunity to provide this kind of bold leadership. In my view, he failed to deliver. There were a couple of appropriate investments in training and education. However, there was no clear job creation program outside of some short-term infrastructure projects.

The situation facing Ontario families is serious. One out of every two jobs that have been lost in Canada during the current recession was an Ontario job. Ontario’s record-breaking $21.3 billion budget deficit is larger than every other provincial deficit combined. In fact, Ontario has fallen so far that our standard of living is below the floundering state of Michigan. The most shocking admission in the entire budget is that Premier McGuinty will singlehandedly double Ontario’s debt by 2012/2013. He is delaying most decisions until after the provincial election in 2011.

We also have new confirmation the McGuinty Government has plunged Ontario even deeper into have-not status. For the first time in history, Ontario has become one of the provinces receiving federal transfer payments. These payments from the federal government will be approximately $1 billion. Ontario must change direction, and we have to do it now.

Ten Ways to Get Ontario Back on Track

Tim Hudak, Leader of the Official Opposition has introduced 10 practical, affordable and achievable ideas to create jobs, support small businesses and grow the local economy in 2010. We are calling on the McGuinty Government to put the brakes on their corporate subsidies, high taxes, and record deficits, and begin implementing these job creating ideas right away. Among our “10for2010” initiatives are: a reduction in government red tape, new job opportunities through apprenticeships for younger workers, suspending taxes on new jobs, and cutting wasteful government spending.

A new website www.10for2010.ca provides details on each of the 10 ideas being proposed by the Ontario PC Caucus.  The website also includes a feedback feature that allows members of the general public to submit their own job-creation ideas.

The website is just the latest example of how the Ontario PC Caucus is reaching out to hear from the general public.  On Monday, March 22, Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak became the first political leader in Canadian history to host an ‘Electronic Town Hall’.  Tim Hudak talked with 1400 Ontarians to hear their ideas about how to create jobs and get Ontario back on track.  You can keep up with events in the Ontario Legislature and Durham Riding on my web site, www.johnotoolempp.com. The web site also includes the latest Staying in Touch Column.

New Tax Increases Electricity Costs by $53 Million

Ontario’s electricity consumers are facing a combination of rate hikes, smart meter charges, the HST (as of July 1) and a new $53 million conservation surcharge. This $53 million hidden tax was revealed despite attempts to pull the regulation from all government websites mere hours after the public began asking questions. The regulation was apparently reinstated later on the web sites. This new tax, on the eve of the Ontario budget, is more evidence of a directionless government addicted to taxing and spending.

New Rules for Live-in Foreign Caregivers

A ban on recruitment fees is among new measures that protect foreign, live-in caregivers in Ontario.  Under the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, employers are also prevented from recovering recruitment and placement costs from live-in caregivers. Employers would be prohibited from taking a caregiver’s personal documents such as a passport and work permit. They would also be prohibited from taking reprisals against caregivers who exercise their rights. Employers are required to follow Employment Standards regarding minimum wage, hours of work, and time off. In 2008, approximately 21,000 employees in Ontario were part of the federal Live-In Caregiver Program.

Do Parents Need School Ombudsman?

Media reports last week indicated that the Ontario Public School Board Association is considering the idea of an ombudsman for Ontario schools. Currently, Ontario’s Ombudsman does not have the authority to investigate complaints related to school boards. As a parent and former school trustee, I understand the frustration students and families sometimes experience in resolving school matters. Ontario has good reason to take pride in the professionalism of its school system, with skilled and caring staff. As always, the best advice is for parents to keep involved in their child’s education. It’s important to discuss problems with the classroom teacher as soon as possible. If matters are still not resolved, then it may be time to speak with the principal, trustees, or other school board staff. An ombudsman with powers to consider school board complaints could help to protect the interests of students, families and staff. However, the onus should be to resolve the issue locally. Intervention of a third party should only occur when all else fails. I would appreciate hearing your views on the idea of an education ombudsman for Ontario, or perhaps allowing the Ontario Ombudsman to review unresolved disputes.

Province Allocates $63.5 Million for Daycare

Recently, the McGuinty government yielded to some childcare operators, giving them $63.5 million to provide 7,600 subsidized childcare spaces. This amount will enable these current childcare spaces to continue to operate for one more year. The problem was created with the McGuinty government’s Bill 242 (full-day kindergarten legislation). Under this Bill, full day kindergarten is being offered to four and five-year-olds. This age group would be taken out of the not-for-profit day care setting, causing them to lose enrollment and revenues.

Good News from GM Third Shift Announcement

It’s great to learn last week that a third shift will be added to the Oshawa plant for production of the popular Chevrolet Equinox. This means the return of approximately 700 jobs for Ontario. Congratulations to the entire GM team.