Staying in Touch – June 13 – Jun 19 2010

Government Confirms HST Costs Us More

With the Harmonized Sales Tax just a few weeks away, even the McGuinty government is finally admitting the HST will cost many Ontarians a lot more money in the long-run.  Those government cheques that are in the mailbox or bank accounts won’t offset the long-range impact of a 13 per cent tax on practically everything. 

Last week, the McGuinty government admitted that, for about 51 per cent of Ontarians, the tax will cost them more after the year 2012. In fact, the government’s newest figures claim that it will cost households up to $480 annually, if we look beyond 2012.

Keep in mind this estimate is based on claims that businesses will pass on to the consumers 90 per cent of savings that the businesses may receive through harmonization. Most Ontarians are skeptical about that prediction.

 This month, Ontarians are getting their first cheques aimed at offsetting the adverse impacts of the HST. Opposition Leader Tim Hudak describes them as “bribe cheques,” and he’s not alone in that view. There will be another cheque towards the end of the year. The final cheque just happens to be coming a few months before the provincial election campaign of 2011. After that, we’re on our own.

 Province Gives Green Light to Hwy. 407 Extension

Ontario’s provincial government has given final approval to the Environmental Assessment for the eastward extension of Highway 407. As a follow-up to the EA approval, the provincial Infrastructure Ministry announced that the new extension will be a tolled road fully owned and controlled by the provincial government. The Ministry also is proceeding with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on the first section of the extension. That’s about 19 kilometres of highway from Brock Rd. to Simcoe Street North, in Oshawa. The next step will include the Request for Proposals (RFP), selection of the successful bidder, and the start of construction. Although the Province has approved the project, Highway 407 is also subject to federal scrutiny under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) Process.  This new requirement was announced in March of 2010, following a ruling from the Supreme Court affecting a number of projects that were being processed under the federal environmental screening process. The 407 East transportation corridor will be continued as a comprehensive study. I will be seeking further clarification on exactly what the federal requirements are, and how long their approvals process will take.

Report Identifies Long Wait for Long-Term Care

A report from the Ontario Health Quality Council shows that the new Local Health Integration Networks are not making it any easier for seniors to be placed in long-term care or for emergency room patients to be seen promptly.

The report revealed that about one-quarter of people spend more time in the emergency department than is recommended and desirable. In fact, about six per cent leave without being seen. The wait time for a long-term care bed is three times what it was in 2005 and only 53 per cent of those urgent cancer cases are completed within the two-week target.
 

Too many people in Ontario are still waiting too long for the medical care they need, the Ontario Health Quality Council said Thursday, June 3, in its 2010 annual report. The Council is an independent agency operating at arm’s length from the government. It said progress has been made in reducing wait times for some surgeries and procedures, but that others are still unacceptably long:

 Among other findings:

  • About 7.1 percent of adult Ontarians (aged 18 and over) continue not to have a family doctor. That’s roughly 730,000 patients.
  • Almost nine in 10 Ontarians say they are waiting too long to see their doctor, an indicator that has worsened last three years.
  • Long-term care wait times are now at an average of 105 days overall.
  • Sixteen per cent of all hospital beds in Ontario are occupied by patients designated as alternative level of care (ALC) who do not need all the services a hospital provides. The report says this problem has worsened in the last three years.

 The report shows that there remain serious obstacles to timely access to healthcare in Ontario, especially in the field of long-term care. I am particularly concerned to read that long-term care wait times have tripled since 2005 and that so many patients waiting for long-term care are often waiting in hospitals.

 Funds for Library Access to Electronic Info

The province is investing $2 million in the Southern Ontario Library Service and Ontario Library Service – North. Both agencies will support public libraries by offering electronic services, such as electronic databases, to Ontarians. Ensuring access to this information will support local skills development, including the research and technology skills needed to succeed in a knowledge economy. This investment will allow Ontario’s public libraries to continue supporting families and in building strong, vibrant communities.

 International Trails Day Held June 5

Whether you are jogging, cycling, horseback riding, hiking, snow-shoeing, or cross country skiing, you can find many ways to enjoy the 88,000 kilometres of trails in our province. Ontario’s trails were celebrated June 5, on International Trails Day. Durham Riding is fortunate to be the site of many outstanding walkways and the Township of Uxbridge has been designated Canada’s Trail Capital. The Ontario Trails Council website at http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca provides more information on regions, events and activities throughout our province.  In addition to encouraging an appreciation of Ontario’s natural environment, trails help people of all ages pursue an active, healthy lifestyle.