Eco-Tax Should be Scrapped, Not Recycled
The Dalton McGuinty Government recently cancelled the controversial new eco-fees on thousands of products ranging from fire extinguishers to dish detergent. Thanks to each of you who wrote, e-mailed or called. You have helped convince the government to reconsider this new tax. The cancellation may only be for 90 days, while the government completes damage control. In fact, the provincial government will pay up to $5 million to keep the program going while it tries to fix this tax.
Along with my colleagues in the Official Opposition, I want to see the eco-fees ended once and for all. They are a new tax on Ontarians who are already reeling from the introduction of the HST and cannot afford to pay more. The eco-fees were cancelled because of strong advocacy by businesses, consumers and elected representatives who told this government the fee/tax is seriously flawed. It’s time to make the cancellation permanent.
The McGuinty government’s poorly planned eco-tax has created chaos at cash registers throughout Ontario. Now that the Minister of the Environment has admitted this tax has been a disaster, he must ensure the people who have already paid the tax get a refund. This government needs to go further and to conduct a thorough investigation of the actions of the provincially-appointed Stewardship Ontario. In my view, there are a number of similarities between eHealth and Stewardship Ontario. Both agencies were entrusted with millions of taxpayer dollars, but offer little to show for the amounts that have been spent.
Uncertainty Harms Solar Power Sector
Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner, Gord Miller, has called on the McGuinty government and the OPA to fully disclose the financial assumptions used to justify the 27% cut in solar power prices under Ontario’s MicroFIT program. The Ontario Power Authority proposed reducing the tariff rate on July 2. Interested parties have until August 3 to comment on the proposal. However, Commissioner Miller said you can’t have effective consultations unless all the facts are released. He also warned that people will lose confidence in provincial green energy initiatives due to the uncertainty over solar power pricing. The price cut means the top rate of 80.2 cents per kWh would apply only to rooftop solar installations. The ground-mounted solar facilities would receive 58.8 cents per kWh. Homes, businesses and farms across Ontario had applied in good faith under the MicroFIT program, based on expectations that the rate would be 80.2 cents. Thousands of applicants are affected by the looming cut in solar power prices. I thank the many farms and businesses in my riding who have taken the time to call or to write on this new development. I will ensure the provincial government is kept informed on the impact of this change in policy and change in prices. This is another example of a poorly planned and implemented program by the McGuinty government – just like the eco-tax.
Ontario Appoints new OPP Commissioner
Chris D. Lewis will succeed Julian Fantino as Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.
A career police officer, the Commissioner-designate has 32 years of experience in public service. He joined the OPP from his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie and was posted as a provincial constable to Kapuskasing in 1978. His assignments have included Provincial Commander of OPP Field Operations; Director of Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario; Commander of the Emergency Management Bureau, the Eastern Region; Information Technologies Bureau; and Investigation Bureau.
Effective August 1, 2010, Commissioner Lewis takes charge of one of North America’s largest police services. The OPP has approximately 5,900 uniformed officers, 1,800 civilian employees and 850 auxiliary members. They provide services to over 922,752 square kilometres of land and 110,398 square kilometres of waterways.
Provincial Help for Ontario Businesses
Often I am asked about assistance from the Province of Ontario for starting or expanding a business. I trust that the following information will help those who are thinking about launching a business, already starting a small business or planning to expand an existing company.
The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with local municipalities, operates Small Business Enterprise Centres across Ontario. Our local Enterprise Centre is at 3000 Garden Street, Suite 200 in Whitby. Their web site is www.bacd.ca. Entrepreneurs can benefit from business start-up check-lists, business plan development, workshops/seminars and one-one-one confidential support and guidance. The Business Advisory Centre Durham may be reached at 905-668-4949 or 1-866-632-5151 and by e-mail at info@bacd.ca
Callers can dial 1-888-745-8888 or TTY 1-800-268-7095 to get information on topics including starting or growing a business; federal-provincial programs; managing employees; regulations; taxes; permits; licences; importing; exporting and more. This service is offered jointly by the Ministry of Government Services and Industry Canada
Age is no barrier to entrepreneurship. Each year, the Province of Ontario offers a program called Summer Company that enables youths attending school and between the ages of 15 and 29 to invest in their own summer job. Summer Company entrepreneurs receive hands-on coaching from local leaders in the business community. Those chosen for the program receive up to $1,500 to put towards start-up costs and up to $1,500 for completing the program. As always, if you are looking for information on any government services offered through the province of Ontario, my Constituency Office is here to help. We may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 or john.otooleco@pc.ola.org .
UPDATE ON ST. MARYS CEMENT – The strike at St. Marys Cement in Bowmanville is entering its 20th week. I have written Ontario’s Minister of Labour about the strike. This industry and jobs are important to our economy. I would urge the Minister of Labour to get both sides to the table as he did at Vale Inco.
