McGuinty Money Shows True Cost of HST
The McGuinty government has been reluctant to predict how much its new HST will cost a typical Ontario family. But taxpayers can get a good idea of the true cost of the HST by looking at the size of the cheques that are being sent to Ontarians in an attempt to calm their fears about the new tax set to begin on July 1. Between now and next June, most families will receive cheques totaling $1,000 and single persons who qualify will receive $300. So, it’s safe to say that the HST will cost at least $1,000 per year for an average Ontario family. The total cost of the HST rebate is $4 billion. The provincial government claims Ontario businesses will save money under the HST and that they’ll pass those savings on to the consumer. But, in my experience, most Ontarians are very skeptical of this claim.
With the HST set to begin on Canada Day, we’ll be paying eight per cent more on dozens of goods and services not previously subject to provincial sales tax. Most consumers will see the biggest change when they pull up to the gas pumps and have to pay eight per cent more. The HST also applies to home heating fuel and to electricity, plus a wide variety of products and services that range from fitness to funerals. The $4 billion in HST money stops a few months before the 2011 provincial election. But, the Harmonized Sales Tax will go on forever. This is clearly not a gift that keeps on giving.
Government Must Keep Hwy. 407 on Track
Unless the McGuinty government takes action, the completion of Highway 407 to Highway 35/115 could be delayed by almost a decade. I am disappointed to read that Jeff Leal, a government MPP has recently said the project won’t be completed to Highway 35/115 until 2017. Once again Premier McGuinty is ignoring Eastern Ontario.
As you will recall, the Province of Ontario has just approved the Environmental Assessment for this project, which was originally a cause for optimism. However, the government’s plans currently call for construction to end in North Oshawa, near Simcoe Street.
This missing link in Highway 407 will create added traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions on the smaller rural concession roads leading to the Highway 407 in Oshawa. It’s important to have a seamless plan to complete the whole highway, not just part of it.
Delays will also have a negative impact on the businesses, the tourism sector, commuters, and residents throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Almost all stakeholders agree that another east/west road and public transit corridor is badly needed for our economy to keep pace.
I am committed to working with municipalities, leaders and citizens in the Durham Region to complete Highway 407 as promised and to ensure the McGuinty government puts this project back on the fast track. The government has promised to complete the highway by 2013, and it should do everything in its power to keep that promise.
Ontario Ombudsman Tables Annual Report
Ontario’s Ombudsman’s Office marks its 35th anniversary this year. In his annual report, Ombudsman André Marin said the office of the Ombudsman can protect citizens and help governments improve in the face of a tough economy and fiscal constraint. A few examples of complaints considered over the past year by the Ombudsman dealt with Ontario’s jails, the Family Responsibility Office, and the Ontario Disability Support Program. The Ombudsman’s Office also helped 39 families obtain appropriate care and treatment for their severely disabled children. Since 2005, the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office has completed 21 special investigations, handled more than 90,000 complaints, and consistently come in under its annual budget of $10 million. Ombudsman Marin has recently been appointed to a second five-year term as Ontario’s official watchdog for the provincial government.
Special investigations were conducted in 2009/10 on topics that included: trade schools; medically necessary dental implants; access to the drug, Avastin for cancer patients; access to Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scans) and OHIP funding for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
With governments becoming larger and more complex, it is important that citizens have the help they need when attempting to fight unjust policies or unresponsive bureaucracies. At the same time, elected representatives must also be available for their constituents. If you have a complaint or a concern about any service under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, I am here to help. I may be reached at (905) 697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.
Delays in Online Posting of Expenses
Despite the McGuinty government’s promise to post expenses of senior government officials online, the web page reserved for this information is still virtually empty.
Premier McGuinty claimed last September that expenses for senior management in the public service, cabinet ministers, political staff and senior officials at 22 of Ontario’s largest agencies would be posted by April 1, 2010.
You can see for yourself whether that promise has been kept by visiting the web site, http://www.ontario.ca/en/expense_claim/index.htm . These new measures in transparency and accountability were announced with considerable fanfare. But it now appears that there are loopholes and delays. We can add the public registry of expense claims as another example of a government that over-promises and under-delivers.
Kids Get Free Pass for Ontario Attractions
Along with their final reports in June, Ontario’s public, private and home-schooled children will receive fun passes to 19 Ontario attractions. Some examples of the attractions included in the pass are: the Art Gallery of Ontario, Upper Canada Village, Sainte Marie Among the Hurons, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Ontario Place, and the Royal Ontario Museum. The fun pass represents about $200 in savings. It encourages Ontario families to discover what our province has to offer in historic sites, galleries, science centres, nature centres and live entertainment. The fun pass is valid from June 26 to September 5.
