Opposition Motion Supports Community Pharmacy

Ontario’s Official Opposition has asked Premier McGuinty to guarantee Ontario seniors will not have to pay increased prices or face reduced services as the result of this government’s cuts to frontline healthcare. I was not surprised that the government used its majority to quash our resolution last Wednesday, April 21, during debate in the Legislature.  I would like to thank the many pharmacists and seniors’ organizations — some from my Riding — who were at Queen’s Park to observe debate on the pharmacy changes. The government’s response last week suggests to me that the fears over cutbacks at Ontario’s community pharmacies are well founded. This government made many promises, but it won’t promise that the pharmacy cutbacks won’t lead to a reduced services and higher costs. One of the worst things about the cutbacks is that they will hit vulnerable patients such as seniors and disabled persons the hardest. These changes will also hit smaller pharmacies in smaller towns and villages. 
 

I would like to thank all those who have sent faxes, letters and e-mails. The common theme is that Ontarians want assurance that their pharmacists will be there when their patients need them, including after-hours or times when they can’t get to a doctor’s office or when the doctor’s office is closed.

 The pharmacy sector is willing to continue talks with the provincial government to reach an agreement that is fair to all stakeholders and in the best interest of patients. Please remember that Ontario’s pharmacists have direct, face to face contact with patients and are a very important part of the healthcare team. It is my understanding that, over the past 20 years, professional fees have increased by about eight per cent. If only the same could be said about costs of other goods and services or, for that matter, provincial taxes. Pharmacists deserve to be paid and treated fairly, not attacked as being done in this government’s campaign. I will continue to do all I can to ensure your views are conveyed to Queen’s Park.

 Bill Against Power of Attorney Abuse Faces Setback

In the Ontario Legislature April 15, all Liberal MPPs voted against my private member’s bill that proposed additional safeguards to protect persons from the fraudulent use of their Powers of Attorney.  Through new measures in terms of awareness and registration of Powers of Attorney, I had attempted to change the status quo.  Powers of Attorney may raise complicated legal questions, and one of my goals was to see the legislation go to a committee where it could be fine-tuned. Unfortunately, this did not happen. However, I do not intend to give up on raising awareness or introducing legislation in the future. I appreciate the advice I have received by agencies such as the Durham Elder Abuse Network and Durham Regional Police.  I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org . I look forward to your comments                                                                                                               

OPG Takes Steps Toward Darlington Refurbishment

Ontario Power Generation announced last week that it will take the first step towards refurbishing the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station with a 250,000 square foot multi-purpose building in the future Clarington Energy Business Park.  The Darlington generating station accounts for about 20 per cent of the electricity generated in Ontario and it provides the steady, baseload power supply that is the backbone of the provincial economy. It is important that the plant be refurbished so that it can continue to provide this electricity in the future.

 I will continue to press the McGuinty government for a decision on the “new build”  Darlington project that is equally necessary for jobs and for reliable power in the years ahead. In my view, the current energy policy in Ontario is a recipe for double digit increases in our electricity bills. When you combine the latest electricity rate increases approved by the Ontario Energy Board, the HST, the Samsung deal, the green energy subsidy, the “Smart Meter” program fees and Hydro One transmission expenses, families will be paying up to $350 more per year on their hydro bills.

 Now, more than ever, Ontario needs the reliable source of power that comes from refurbished and new nuclear generating stations. It’s time for the provincial government to go beyond promises and to take action on the new build at Darlington.

 Number of Senior Bureaucrats Grows by 68%

While Ontario families are being forced to pay more and get less, the number of highest-ranking senior officials in the McGuinty government has increased from 95 in 2003 to 160. That’s the number of Associate Deputy Ministers and Assistant Deputy Ministers that have been created in less than eight years. These individuals rank just below the Minister and Deputy Minister as top officials in the provincial government. The growth in this category of provincial staff has been confirmed in the so-called “Sunshine List.” It names all government executives, appointees and managers making six-figure salaries.  The number on the sunshine list has more than tripled since 2003. (Rising from just over 20,000 to more than 63,000 today.)  As with all provincial issues, your input is 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.

 Ontario Arts Council has 50 Grant Programs

The Ontario Arts Council offers more than 50 programs in support of individual artists and arts groups in Ontario. The programs include all aspects of the arts, including literature, music, dance, publishing, theatre, and crafts. This year, a new program called Aboriginal Artists in Schools has been added to the program. Depending on the programs, there are numerous deadlines for applications throughout the year. A complete list of programs, criteria and deadlines for applications is found online at www.arts.on.ca.

 Congratulations on Huck Finn Fishing Day

With attendance at over 3,000, the Huck Finn Youth Fishing Day in Uxbridge is one of Ontario’s largest free outdoor events for families. It’s a great opportunity for children and youth to have fun while learning about our natural environment. Many thanks to Pat Higgins, Chair of the Fishing Day Committee, and to the volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event held Saturday, April 24, at Elgin Pond.