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 20^th 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.

Friday July 23, 2010

Durham MPP Demands Answers from McGuinty Liberals Over Police Investigations

Durham MPP John O’Toole today called for greater transparency and accountability from the McGuinty Government over the ongoing criminal investigations by the Ontario Provincial Police into irregular transactions at government ministries.

It was confirmed last Thursday that the OPP is investigating irregular financial transactions between Government Ministries and private outside vendors.

In an effort to shed light on this matter for Ontarians MPP John O’Toole contacted the Liberal Minister for Government Services Harinder Takhar (Mississauga-Erindale) as well as Deputy Minister Ron Mckerlie. Minister Takhar was unable to be reached. Mr. O’Toole was also told that Deputy Minister Mckerlie was “on vacation” until Monday, July 26, 2010 and therefore also unavailable for comment.

“The McGuinty Liberals refused to provide any further details to Ontarians and remained silent despite the severity of these investigations.” Mr. O’Toole said. “Anytime the police are forced to investigate government Ministries, it is a serious matter and should be handled with transparency and accountability.”

–John O’Toole, MPP Durham

“I ask that the Liberal Government come clean about the criminal investigations currently underway, if there has been no wrongdoing they should have nothing to hide.”

–John O’Toole, MPP Durha

“Not only is the Government leaving Ontarians to wonder what’s going on, but those responsible also seem to be ‘on vacation’ rather than addressing the issues.”

–John O’Toole, MPP Durham

 Four questions that the McGuinty Government must answer:

A change proposed under the Ontario Power Authority’s microFIT program has many farmers and agricultural businesses confused and upset at the latest flip-flop by the McGuinty government.  After applying to the province’s Ontario Power Authority for solar power projects yielding a price of 80.2 cents per kilowatt hour, farmers across Ontario are now being told that this price will apply only to electricity generated from rooftop solar panels.  Clearly, these price changes indicate the McGuinty government’s electricity plan is not working. For ground-mounted solar panels, the OPA is proposing a reduced price of 58.8 cents/kWh. This reduced price threatens the viability of many business plans as well as jobs and opportunities in the green energy sector. The Ontario Power Authority has announced a 30-day consultation period on this proposed new price category for solar power. In addition, two web-based information sessions have been held. I would encourage Ontario residents and solar power stakeholders to have their say on the latest provincial government mixed message on green energy.  You can comment by sending an e-mail to microFIT@powerauthority.on.ca. Comments can also be mailed to the Ontario Power Authority, with postmarks no later than August 3, 2010. I would ask you to provide me with a copy of your comments.

Hidden Eco-Fee Hits All Consumers

Whether you call it a fee, a tax or a premium, the McGuinty government’s eco tax is more money coming out of consumers’ pockets. Along with the controversial HST that became law July 1, the provincial government quietly introduced “eco-fees” covering thousands of products ranging from hairspray to fire extinguishers. A few examples of products subject to the eco-tax also include: pharmaceuticals, camping fuel, fluorescent bulbs, drain cleaners and detergents and fire extinguishers.

Opposition Critic for the Environment, Toby Barrett, revealed earlier this month that, under the eco-fee, a 60-pound bag of cement which retails at $3.99 will be subject to an eco tax of $3.90, In other words, the eco fee for this product is almost 100 per cent the cost of the product itself. In the case of fire extinguishers, the eco fees vary from $2.22 to $6.66 depending on the weight of the unit. This extra fee for fire extinguishers is a threat to public safety as well as a cash grab. You’d think government would want to encourage rather than penalize those who buy fire safety equipment. What angers citizens the most is the fact that eco-fees were introduced without warning and with no explanation. After seven years of hikes on consumer taxes, income taxes, vehicle taxes, land taxes, and even tire and plastic bag taxes, the family budget of most Ontarians has been stretched to the limit. This government simply has a tax and spending problem when you consider the various licence, tax and fee increases it has introduced, in addition to HST.

Private Member’s Bills in the Ontario Legislature

You don’t have to be a cabinet minister with a battalion of advisors to introduce a Bill in the Ontario Legislature. Members of Provincial Parliament often introduce independent legislation through Private Members Bills.  All it takes is a pencil and paper (Or, more likely, a computer and printer) plus a good idea, and support from other Ontario MPPs.

Bills introduced by an individual MPP don’t have the same weight as legislation backed by the entire government. But, in one sense, these bills can’t lose. If the bill is instantly recognizable as the right legislation, then the MPP has done his or her job on behalf of citizens. In fact, Ontarians might get necessary legislation passed a little faster than if it went the route of government-sponsored bills. With support from all three parties, a Bill declaring April 9 of each year as Vimy Ridge Day received first, second and third reading in a single day last spring.

When a Private Member’s Bill doesn’t pass, it can still raise awareness and spark public discussion. As was the case with my own legislation on cell phones and driving, the ideas in private member’s bills sometimes take on a second life when they are introduced by the government.

Private member’s legislation on which I am currently working includes: a tax credit for those who use public transit; protection of vulnerable people against the improper use of a power of attorney; the declaration of the first Friday in September as Physical Fitness Day in Ontario and the regulation of sewage sludge applied on agricultural land as a soil conditioner. Some of my past private member’s Bills have covered Year of Manufacture Licence plates for historic vehicles and the declaration of Irish Heritage Day.

Here’s a brief sample of some other private members legislation currently before the House: A requirement that landlords disclose to renters whether or not bedbugs have been reported in their apartments; Measures establishing the rights of citizens to access the shorelines of the Great Lakes and; An initiative to provide Ontario’s Ombudsman with a 10-year term.

Another private member’s bill would establish the rights of students to respond to diabetic conditions through injections, emergency sugar consumption etc. Yet another Bill calls for a climate change report card. Bill 47 calls for the third week of April to become Victims of Crime Awareness Week. Bill 7 requires citizens be notified when personal credit information held by banks and other agencies is lost or stolen.

The Ontario Legislature web site, www.ontla.on.ca, has a complete list of all legislation currently being considered. It has an archive of legislation from past parliaments that goes back about 15 years.

If you have an idea for a Private Member’s bill on a topic of interest to you, your organization or community, I’d be happy to hear from you. Please contact my Constituency Office at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433. I may be reached by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org

July 9, 2010

BOWMANVILLE – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today that the McGuinty government will pull the plug on jobs and opportunities in the green energy field if it reduces fees paid to homeowners, farms and small businesses who install small solar energy systems.

Under the microFIT program, many farmers and rural residents applied to the Ontario Power Authority for solar power projects that would pay them 80.2 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity they sold to the provincial power grid. 

Now, solar power stakeholders are being told that only roof-mounted solar PV units will be eligible for the top prices of 80.2 cents/kWh. For ground-mounted units, the Ontario Power Authority is proposing a reduced rate of 58.8 cents/kWh.

Mr. O’Toole said this change in the rules will be devastating for farmers, small business, contractors, electricians and manufacturers. “Many have already made substantial investments and based their business plans on a rate of 80.2 cents/kWh. How can they trust the McGuinty government to keep its commitments now and in the future? Mr. O’Toole asked.

“I am disappointed to learn the provincial government seems to be changing its green energy policy in mid-course,” Mr. O’Toole said. “This shows a total lack of planning by the McGuinty government. Unfortunately, it is the farmers and small businesses who will pay the price.”

The Durham MPP urged stakeholders to take advantage of the 30-day period for public comments now underway. Citizens can comment on the new price category for solar power by e-mailing the Ontario Power Authority at: microFIT@powerauthority.on.ca . Information is also available on the web site, www.microfit.powerauthority.on.ca

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For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433

What should Ontario’s future communities look like? How do we protect agricultural land and prevent urban sprawl? How do we improve access to public transit and provide a good mix of housing for Ontario families? How do we create the infrastructure and planning policies that will attract jobs and businesses?

These are the kinds of questions that can be addressed in the Provincial Policy Statement on land use.  The Province of Ontario is currently conducting a five-year review of its Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), which dates back to 2005. Under the Planning Act, land use decisions made by municipalities, the Province, the Ontario Municipal Board, and other authorities must be consistent with the PPS. This means the policy statement guides municipalities preparing official plans and land use by-laws.

The input the province receives in the consultation will help communities to grow efficiently, while encouraging economic competitiveness, protecting cultural heritage and natural resources and maintaining public health and public safety. Advice and input from citizens is encouraged.

To review the current Provincial Policy Statement and submit your comments, go online at www.ontario.ca/pps. Your feedback is requested by August 31, 2010. If you have comments on provincial land use policies, I would appreciate being copied on your input to the Province of Ontario. I may be reached by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org and at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433.

Temporary Licence Extensions End Sept. 1

Ontario driver’s licences that were temporarily extended to accommodate drivers during the DriveTest strike will expire September 1, 2010. As you will recall, regular driver examination services were not available from August 24, 2009 to January 4, 2010. To help affected motorists stay on the road, the Ministry of Transportation granted a temporary extension to drivers who needed to take a test in order to renew their licence, but were unable to do so because of the strike. It is important for drivers with extended licences to book now so you can complete your test on or before August 31, 2010. If you were granted an extension, your licence will not be valid after that date. To book your test, call 1-888-570-6110 or visit a DriveTest Centre in person. Please note that most Ontario drivers do not require a driving test to renew their licences. However, the DriveTest strike did affect some Ontarians, such as novice drivers proceeding through the graduated licence system.

Alcohol Laws Enforced on Land and Water

Ontarians heading out for vacations or other summer adventures are reminded that  impaired driving penalties apply to those who operate water craft as well as those who drive conventional vehicles. Remember that Ontario’s laws against impaired boating apply to motorized watercraft such as jet skis and non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks and inflatable rafts. Penalties include immediate automobile driver’s licence suspension for 90 days if a boat operator has a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08. If convicted under the Criminal Code, the boater’s driver’s licence can be suspended for one year up to a lifetime. Please drive your vehicle and your boat safety and responsibly.

New Law Bans Tobacco “Kiddie Packs”

As of July 1, 2010, Ontario is banning the sale of flavoured cigarillos to make them less attractive to young people. Amendments to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act will prohibit the sale and distribution of flavoured cigarillos, while restricting the sale of menthol and unflavoured cigarillos to packages of at least 20, the same as cigarettes. Prior to these amendments, cigarillos in various flavours were sometimes sold for less than $2 in so-called “kiddie packs.” The concern is that by adding flavours and using colours in the wrapping and packaging, these products were targeting youth and providing them with a “gateway” to the tobacco habit. Restricting the sale of cigarillos will help to further encourage a smoke-free Ontario.

TRIP Information Portal Helps Ontario Drivers

Are you looking for information about highway closures and restrictions, road conditions, and construction? Do you want to view traffic on the network of compass road cameras? Are you looking for car pool parking lots or high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes? You can find information on all of these subjects at the Travellers Road Information Portal (TRIP) at the Ministry of Transportation web site.  The MTO site is located at www.mto.gov.on.ca. If you prefer, you can also call the TRIP telephone hotline at 1-800-268-4686.  Please drive safely!

Highlands of Durham Games July 24 – 25

All roads lead to Uxbridge for the annual Highlands of Durham Games to be held in Elgin Park Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. The games offer everyone an opportunity to explore Celtic traditions through music, sports, dance, food and much more. A few examples of the events at the Highland Games include: dog and livestock shows, massed bands and traditional athletic events such as the tossing of the caber, sheaf and hammer.  Further information can be found online at the games web site, www.highlandsofdurhamgames.com . This is an outstanding family event that attracts visitors from Durham Region, the GTA and beyond.  The sponsors, organizers and participants are to be commended for the continuing success of this annual celebration of highland customs and culture. The games are now in their 16^th year.

BOWMANVILLE – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today that the McGuinty government should give Ontario’s businesses more time to make the transition to the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

He noted that a recent Angus Reid poll revealed 54% of small business owners in Ontario won’t be ready to comply with the HST changes that take effect July 1.  The poll was reported in the Financial Post and conducted on behalf of tax management software maker, Intuit Canada. The poll also indicated 79% of small business operators in Ontario and 76% in British Columbia oppose the HST.

Mr. O’Toole said the results confirm what a number of businesses in Durham Riding have told him. “The McGuinty government should have been more proactive in informing businesses what steps must be taken to convert to the harmonized sales tax,” Mr. O’Toole said.  “Essentially, businesses were left to fend for themselves in terms of contacting the government, attending HST seminars or asking advice from their financial advisor.”

Areas in which changes may be required to accommodate the HST include: cash registers; computer software and web sites; special codes for Ontario’s point-of-sale rebates; invoices; sales receipts; purchase orders and expense reports.

“Since the McGuinty government claims the HST will support business, the least it can do is make an extra effort to explain all the HST requirements and give businesses enough time to comply,” Mr. O’Toole said.

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For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433

Opposition Supports Democratic Reforms

Opposition Leader Tim Hudak said last week that a PC Government will give Ontario families the tools they need to hold future Ontario governments accountable. We are seeking comments from citizens into new measures that will prevent arrogant and out-of-touch governments from ignoring citizens and forging ahead with measures such as Ontario’s new Harmonized Sales Tax. MPP Steve Clark, PC Critic for Democratic Reform, will be leading the consultation and studying best practices in other jurisdictions. Here are a few examples of reforms that would put more power in the hands of citizens:

Citizen-based initiatives – Governments would be required to consider policies and laws if a sufficient number of citizens signed petitions in support of these measures. Citizen-based initiatives could also go directly to a referendum. (As in British Columbia.)
Recalls of elected officials – If enough voters feel their elected representative is not acting in their best interests, he or she could be removed from office and a new election held.
Referendum – Referring proposed legislation or government policy to the public for a binding vote.
The Harmonized Sales Tax is one reason why Ontarians are increasingly in favor of democratic reforms. In my view, the HST would never survive a referendum. So why is the tax being allowed? That’s the question I often hear from Durham Riding residents. Ontarians are also fed up with this government approving industrial wind farms without municipal consultation, reneging on promises not to raise taxes and hiding behind the unelected, Local Health Integration Networks when reducing frontline health care.

When government is in step with citizens and listens to their advice, these reforms are hardly necessary. But, when governments ignore the wishes of the majority, citizens don’t want to wait up to four years to express their views in a general election. Under British Columbia law, a referendum may be triggered if a government initiative is rejected by 10 per cent of the voters in each of the provincial ridings. This law is being used to fight the HST. Does Ontario need democratic reforms similar to those in British Columbia? I welcome your response. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.    

Sale of Assets a “Trial Balloon” for Government

There were indications last week that the McGuinty government is considering the sale of parts of Ontario’s lottery network (OLG), electricity system (OPG and Hydro One) and  the LCBO. Media reports have indicated the McGuinty government is thinking about amalgamating these four enterprises into a single mega corporation and then selling a portion of the company to private sector investors. This announcement looks to me like a “trial balloon.” If there’s a favourable response to the concept, it will proceed. If there’s public outrage, it will be quietly shelved. I also believe they are trying to get us to stop thinking about the HST.

In my view, the creation of a single mega corporation doing everything from generating nuclear power to regulating the price of wine coolers and selling lottery tickets won’t help Ontario families struggling to make ends meet A mega-corporation is simply a bad idea. Given the provincial government’s track record and scandals such as e-Health, potential investors may be reluctant to invest in a corporation where the lead shareholder remains the McGuinty government. And, if the province gives away more than controlling interest, then these valuable revenue generating assets will be lost forever. Most importantly, there has been no opportunity for public debate on the implications of privatizing part of the above assets. One has to ask why. Does this government just want more money to spend, as well as the health tax and HST?

Rent Increase Guideline for 2011 Announced

Ontario’s rent increase guideline for the year 2011 will be 0.7 per cent. In announcing next year’s guideline, the provincial government noted that the guide will apply to increases between January 1 and December 31, 2011. The guideline for the current year of 2010 has been 2.1 per cent. This is the largest amount by which the landlord may increase the rent of most tenants without seeking approval under the Landlord and Tenant Board. While the lower rent ceiling is good news for the year ahead, I am concerned that the guideline does not reflect the added costs tenants will face in maintenance fees as a result of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). The HST is not directly applied to rents. However, the added costs that landlords face as the result of the new tax will eventually be passed on to the tenants in the form of higher rents.

First Nations Receive HST Exemption

The federal government has agreed to give Ontario’s First Nations a point-of-sale exemption from the HST as requested by the Province of Ontario. In June 2010, all provincial parties supported a motion in the Ontario Legislature calling on the federal government to maintain the current point of sale exemption. In announcing the exemption, the federal government has indicated that the province missed a deadline for listing point-of-sales rebates. However, the exemption is proceeding anyway. It will come into place on September 1, 2010. In the interim, from July 1 to August 31, First Nations can receive refunds by submitting receipts to the Ministry of Revenue. One should ask why the provincial government overlooked the First Nations exemption when negotiating with the federal government. Also, how about additional point of sale exemptions for Ontarians with low incomes?

McGuinty Government’s HST Is a Hardship for Ontario Seniors

June 22, 2010 

BOWMANVILLE – The month of June (Seniors Month) is cause for celebration among Ontario’s seniors, but the month of July brings cause for concern.

“Dalton McGuinty’s Harmonized Sales Tax is scheduled to begin on July 1,” said Durham MPP John O’Toole.  “Unfortunately, Ontario’s seniors will be among the citizens who are hardest hit by the new tax.”

Mr. O’Toole explained that this is because seniors on modest pensions and fixed incomes just can’t afford to pay eight per cent more for essentials such as electricity, home heating and gasoline. In addition, the HST adds eight per cent to many other Ontario goods and services ranging from home repairs to haircuts.

A recent CARP study confirmed that over 72% of seniors oppose Ontario and BC harmonizing their sales taxes with the GST, while 58.2% believe that the HST will not be good for the Canadian economy.
“The HST is a tax on seniors, their financial security and peace of mind,” Mr. O’Toole said.” The Durham MPP added that seniors are not receiving increased services as a result of the higher taxes. In fact, Ontarians are facing longer wait times for long-term care, many hospitals are being forced to reduce staff, and communities are facing cutbacks to frontline health care provided by local pharmacies.

“Don’t be fooled by the cheque you receive in the mail,” Mr. O’Toole said. “In Dalton McGuinty’s Ontario, taxpayers pay more and get less.”

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For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433

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 35^th 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.

June 17, 2010

BOWMANVILLE – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today he is very disappointed with the McGuinty government’s decision to delay for almost a decade, the completion of Highway 407 to Highway 35/115.

He was responding to the fact that the Province has approved an Environmental Assessment, but announced plans to only build the 407 as far east as Simcoe St. in North Oshawa.  Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal has recently admitted that the project won’t be completed to Highway 35/115 until 2017. Once again Premier McGuinty is ignoring Eastern Ontario.

“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,” Mr. O’Toole warned.  “That’s why it’s important to have a seamless plan to complete the whole highway, not just another piece of it.” As Clarington Mayor Jim Abernethy said,” This has been going on for over 30 years and the government’s delays prove it is cheaper to do Environmental Assessments than to build the highway.

Durham Regional Chairman Roger Anderson described the province’s Highway 407 decision as “A shocking disappointment to Durham Region Councillors, residents and businesses.” The Regional Chairman said It is also completely contrary to repeated commitments made by the province since 2007 that the entire extension would be completed by 2013.

MPP John O’Toole said he has written the provincial government to ask for an explanation of its timetable for Highway 407 and a commitment to complete the long-awaited east/west thoroughfare and transit way complete to Hwy 35/115 .

The Durham MPP added that he is committed to working with municipalities, leaders and citizens in the Durham Region to complete Highway 407 as planned and to ensure the McGuinty government puts this project back on the fast track.  I ask you, Premier, “Finish the job you promised.” 

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CONTACT:

For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433