QUEEN’S PARK – There’s little for agriculture in the McGuinty government’s Throne Speech today and even less for the Durham Region’s energy sector.

“This government claims to support nuclear power,” Mr. O’Toole said. “But, the Throne Speech fails to mention a commitment to the New Build at Darlington.”

 “Along with my partners in Durham, I will continue to do all I can to advocate for Durham Region and Durham Riding as a leading source of reliable, clean electricity for Ontario’s Future,” Mr. O’Toole said.  “Even if it’s not in the throne speech, nuclear power must be a priority for Durham Riding, the Durham Region and for Ontario.”

 The Durham MPP noted that, although agriculture is briefly mentioned in the Throne Speech, the recommendation is for a policy on buying locally grown food. “I had hoped for some leadership on risk management programs and red tape reduction that will help to ensure a future for farming and agribusiness in Ontario.”

 QUOTE:

 “I will continue to do all I can to advocate for Durham Region and Durham Riding as a leading source of reliable, clean electricity for Ontario’s future.  Even if it’s not in the throne speech, nuclear power must be a priority for Ontario.” – John O’Toole, MPP, Durham

 QUICK FACTS:

• Some energy initiatives from the Throne Speech: Green Energy Act; Samsung Announcement on renewable power; the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program.

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 For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-151 / 1-800-661-2433

 NEWS

March 8, 2010

QUEEN’S PARK – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today that the McGuinty government has emphasized empty promises over accountability in today’s Throne Speech.

 “This government is acting as if the multi-million dollar eHealth scandal and its $3 billion HST tax grab never even happened,” the Durham MPP said today. “There was no recognition of the need for greater transparency, efficiency and accountability. However, there are dozens of new promises waiting to be broken.”

“This is a premier who never met a promise he couldn’t break,” said John O’Toole. “He promised he wouldn’t raise taxes. Yet, under his watch, Premier McGuinty introduced two of the largest taxes in Ontario’s history – the health tax and the Harmonized sales tax. How can we believe this newest round of promises? Since coming to office, the McGuinty government has increased spending by approximately 65%. Ontario has a massive deficit, with no plan to reduce the debt.

“The premier has served up the usual platitudes about the value of education, healthcare, businesses and volunteers,” Mr. O’Toole added. “But, outside of the vague promises, there’s little substance here and little explanation of where the money will come from to pay for the promises.”   

“I am confident members of the Official Opposition will keep working for accountability in the McGuinty government, even if it is missing from the Throne Speech.”

QUOTE:

• “This government is acting as if the multi-million dollar eHealth scandal never even happened,” the Durham MPP said today. “The Throne Speech gives little recognition to the need for greater transparency, efficiency and accountability in the McGuinty government. However, there are dozens of new promises waiting to be broken.”

 QUICK FACTS:

• Within 12 years, healthcare costs could rise to 70 cents out of every dollar spent on government programs. (Up from the current 46 cents out of every dollar being spent today.)
• Throne Speech calls for an increase in spaces at Ontario colleges and Universities by 20,000 students this year, with Ontario promoting provincial postsecondary education to students outside Canada.

• Sale of public assets will depend on a review of Ontario’s business enterprises.
• $32 billion in roads, bridges, public transit and energy retrofits for schools.
• Proposed new initiatives in clean water technology.

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CONTACT:

For further information please contact:

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

Ontario’s provincial government is moving closer to a very important decision on the proposed Durham/York Energy from Waste project. Staff from the Ministry of Environment completed their review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) plus recent amendments. Their report is almost 400 pages in length. However, the conclusions of Ministry staff indicate, in part, that: “The Ministry is satisfied that the proposed mitigation methods and contingencies will ensure that any potential negative impacts will be minimized and managed.”

 Last week in the House, I had the opportunity to Question Ontario’s Environment Minister regarding emissions standards. Concerns have been raised over the monitoring of pollutants from the project. I asked the Minister if he can assure all of the people in my riding of Durham that this project will have the highest and best emissions standards, that it will be monitored and reported publicly and, more importantly, that there will be severe penalties for exceeding allowable limits. There is a final opportunity for public comments before the EA goes to the Minister of Environment for his decision. The deadline for comments is April 2 and the latest reports are available online at www.durhamyorkwaste.ca   .

 The proposed thermal treatment waste management facility is capable of processing up to 140,000 tonnes of residual municipal and solid waste. It will include an electrical power generating system. The location is south of Highway 401, on the west side of Osborne Rd. and north of the CN Rail corridor in Clarington.

 Ontario’s provincial government will make the final choice of approving the Environmental Assessment, rejecting it, attaching additional conditions, or ordering further hearings. Since the provincial government has final responsibility, it is important that the government has advice and input from all citizens. I encourage you to take this opportunity to be heard.

Have You Lost Access to Cottage Property?

Some owners of cottages and recreational land may discover their deeded rights-of-way have been cancelled. With the introduction of an electronic land registry database, recorded deed and land information was limited to 40 years prior to 2007. However, many property owners may not be aware the right-of-way they are using to drive to their cottage, woodlot, hunting camp or other recreational property is no longer recognized. I am working to restore disappearing easements and rights of way.  I would be interested in your suggestions for possible legislation as well as any experiences you may have had regarding the loss of access to your property through the loss of what had once been a valid and deeded right-of-way.

 Summer Jobs at Ministry of Natural Resources

The province of Ontario is creating more than 2,500 summer job opportunities in the field of natural resources. In 2010, the Ministry of Natural Resources is offering jobs through four programs: Ontario Ranger, Ontario Stewardship Ranger, MNR Internship and Post-Secondary Co-op. Through partnerships with the Ministry of Government Services, programs are also being offered in: Summer Experience; Ontario Internship; Internship Program for Internationally Trained Individuals and the Aboriginal Work Experience.

 Application deadline for the Ontario Ranger Program is March 26, 2010. For the Stewardship Ranger Program (Open to applicants who were born in 1993), the deadline is May 28, 2010.  Summer Experience positions for 2010 will be posted online as of March 8, 2010. The deadline for applications varies between April 8 and mid-June 2010. Information is available online at www.ontario.ca/mnryouthprograms

 This year, it is estimated that more than 100,000 students will find jobs and gain work experience through provincial summer job programs. Information is available online at : www.ontario.ca/summerjobs .

Ontario Awaits Throne Speech

As this column is being written, the McGuinty Government’s priorities for the new session of the Ontario Legislature have not been announced. However, if previous Throne Speeches are any indication, Ontarians cannot count on this government to deliver its promises.

 For example, in the 2007 Throne Speech, the McGuinty government promised a provincial diabetes strategy, the centerpiece of which would be a provincial diabetes registry to be set up by the Spring 2009. The spring of 2009 has come and gone, but Ontario diabetics are still no closer to getting their promised support. The 2007 Speech from the Throne said Ontario families would “get the care they need when they need it.” The reality is that, since 2005-2006, the amount of money OHIP spends on out-of-country procedures has nearly tripled, with $164.3 million dollars now being spent to send almost 12,000 patients out of the country for their necessary health care. That’s up from  $56.3 million in 2005. Under the watch of this government, a network of private medical brokers is charging fees in excess of $20,000 to match Ontario patients with U.S. hospitals and clinics.  I look forward to your comments on the Throne Speech, which is to be tabled Monday, March 8. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 or by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.                                                              

Lunchtime Tours of Ontario Legislature

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario is offering free half hour tours at Queen’s Park every Wednesday from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Each month will feature a unique theme. Stories of women in parliament are highlighted this month, in honour of International Women’s Day. Participants are invited to meet at the Information Desk in the lobby of the Legislative Building. If you plan to attend, or if you need more information, please let me know by calling 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 or by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org. I would be pleased to greet you at Queen’s Park.

March 1, 2010

NEWS                                                                                         

QUEEN’S PARK – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today he is disappointed that Ontario is not doing more to report on the number of Ontario’s Second Career graduates who have found work in their field.

Mr. O’Toole said Durham Riding constituents have complained that they attended their courses and graduated from their programs, but have yet to find work in their field.

During Question Period in the Ontario Legislature, Mr. O’Toole asked the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for employment statistics on the Second Career program.

“The Minister replied that it’s too early in the program to say how many graduates are working,” Mr. O’Toole added. “In my view, the McGuinty government should have been monitoring the program from day one, and should keep the public informed. This is another example of the government’s lack of accountability and lack of a plan.”

“Students who train for second careers are willing to sacrifice and to work hard. They also need to be fully informed.” Mr. O’Toole said. Prospective students should have the most up-to-date statistics about the number of graduates who are employed.”

 QUOTE

“Ontarians have a right to know the effectiveness of all government programs,” said Durham MPP John O’Toole. “In the case of the Second Career program, this information is especially important because students considering new careers need to know if their hard work and dedication will lead to a job.”

 QUICK FACTS

• A total of 26,000 have enrolled in the Second Career program.
• Second Career was launched in the summer of 2008. It provides financial assistance for laid-off workers to undertake longer-term training.

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CONTACT  

John R. O’Toole, MPP – Durham

(905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433

The provincial government has decided to give itself a new lease on life by proroguing the House and introducing a new Throne Speech March 8. This marks the beginning of a new Parliamentary session. As expected, the prorogation will be brief, lasting for Friday, plus a weekend.  The old session ends the afternoon of March 4. The new one begins Monday, March 8. 

A Throne Speech traditionally receives wide media attention and lets a government declare its priorities for the foreseeable future.  Many old pieces of legislation that haven’t been passed by March 4^th will expire. For example, most private members’ bills will need to be re-introduced. That being said, I expect bills dealing with Ontario pension reforms, full-day kindergartens and new regulations for energy retailers will proceed into the new session without interruption.

In my view, the real reason for the Throne Speech is to divert the focus away from issues such as the eHealth scandal, the $24.7 billion deficit, and the Harmonized Sales Tax. In a speech last week, the Ontario Premier revealed Ontarians can expect a five-year plan to get Ontario back on track. Finance Minister Dwight Duncan has acknowledged that the province lost 252,000 manufacturing jobs in the last year. The unemployment rate currently stands at 9.2 per cent. The McGuinty government is often asked about the possibility of so-called “Dalton Days” in which civil servants would take unpaid days off to help rein in spending. Finance Minister Dwight Duncan was quoted last week as saying no decision has been taken on this idea.

Statistics Canada figures confirm that this government’s job crisis began before the global recession touched Ontario. When the McGuinty government took office, there were 1,072,800 manufacturing jobs in Ontario. Today there are only 793,800. This means more than one out of every four manufacturing workers has been left unemployed.

This government is essentially, attempting to “change the channel” by proroguing the House. As a member of the Official Opposition, I can assure you we will do everything possible to ensure this government can prorogue, but it can’t hide.  The concerns over accountability and the economy that dominated the past parliamentary session will follow this government into the new session.

Government Dismisses Public Watchdogs

Ontario’s Ombudsman, André Marin, has been a strong voice for accountability at Queen’s Park. Many will recall that his report exposed insider winnings at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Most recently, he recommended ending the “absurd and indefensible” cap on funding of the anti-cancer drug, Avastin. In addition to annual reports on many complaints brought to his attention, the Ombudsman tabled 16 special reports on topics such as private career colleges, the administration of Newborn Screening Programs, Property Assessment, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. The Ombudsman had recently been investigating the unelected bureaucracy running a Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

 The Ontario Ombudsman was very effective at communicating his findings. He included postings on Facebook and Twitter to keep Ontarians informed.

In a speech last fall to the Economic Club of Toronto, he said: “I have investigated enough examples of acute maladministration to know conclusively that the problem of ABC (Agencies, Boards and Commissions) accountability is not confined to just a few rogue agencies. It is a symptom of a widespread, systemic failure.”  My guess is that the Ontario Ombudsman was doing too good a job.

The second victim is Ontario Environmental Commissioner, Gord Miller. In my view, he is also not being reappointed because he dared to criticize the McGuinty government’s inaction on the environment.

Officially, the McGuinty government is declining to renew their contracts and inviting the Ombudsman and the Environmental Commissioner to join all other candidates in applying for their old jobs. But, it doesn’t take an ombudsman to notice a connection between the fact that both officials have criticized the government and both have not had their contracts renewed. Given the government’s record on eHealth and similar lapses in spending of public funds and accountability, we need the integrity, independence and experience of both public watchdogs if they are willing to serve. 

Know Your Rights When Planning a Trip

Travellers are encouraged to book with a travel agency registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). That way, if you don’t receive the travel services you paid for due to the bankruptcy or insolvency of a registered travel retailer, wholesaler or an airline or cruise line, you can claim for a reimbursement of up to $5,000 per person from the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. Remember that TICO-registered travel agents are required to disclose terms, conditions, and penalties before selling travel services to you. More information about the Travel Industry Council of Ontario is available www.tico.ca   

A SALUTE TO OUR OLYMPIANS – Congratulations to Durham Olympian, Matt Morison, of Burketon, who finished 11th in the Parallel Giant Slalom on the weekend. His teammate Jasey Jay Anderson’s victory in the event was one of the crowning moments of the games. However, it was disappointing that fog blocked the visibility for competitors and spectators in this event. Thanks to all Olympians for inspiring us, for bringing Canadians together in celebration and for serving as such outstanding ambassadors for Canada.

February 25, 2010

For Immediate Release

NEWS

(TORONTO) – Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak addressed delegates at the 2010 conference of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA).  The theme of this year’s ROMA / OGRA conference is “The Road to Recovery”.

 Hudak used his speech to detail how an Ontario PC government would put Ontario on the road to recovery. He focused on the improvements rural municipalities could expect when it comes to infrastructure planning, corporate welfare, taxation, red tape and regulation, northern issues, and spending priorities.

 Under Premier Dalton McGuinty, rural regions of Ontario are languishing with high levels of unemployment.  Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario, the Niagara Region, Southwestern Ontario and Northern Ontario all have unemployment rates well above the Canadian national average.

 “I support our leader, Tim Hudak, in his priorities for rural Ontario,” said Durham MPP John O’Toole. “Rural Ontario has outstanding potential in terms of its people and resources. Now, more than ever, we need the values and strength evidenced in rural Ontario to ensure our province recovers from the economic downturn and returns to prosperity,” Mr. O’Toole added.

 QUOTES

“Dalton McGuinty’s status quo approach for funding local projects has failed.  Given the size of both our fiscal deficit and our infrastructure deficit – we absolutely have to move away from a system that amounts to little more than throwing darts in the dark.”

– Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak

 “Ontario has abundant natural resources and is within a day’s drive of 135 million consumers in the U.S. market. These forces are what made Ontario great. And they will make Ontario great again.”        — Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak

 QUICK FACTS

Ontario unemployment rates under Dalton McGuinty (Statistics Canada Labour)
● Eastern Ontario 8.8 

● Central Ontario 10.0

● Niagara 11.6

● Huron 10.1

● Northern Ontario 12.0   

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 CONTACT  

John R. O’Toole, MPP – Durham

(905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433

NEWS

February 23, 2010

QUEEN’S PARK – Durham’s Member of Provincial Parliament says the McGuinty government’s job creation claims don’t match the reality so many Ontarians are experiencing each day.

“Premier, your government continually boasts about creating over one million jobs. The reality is that this year alone, your government has presided over the loss of 140,000 jobs,” Mr. O’Toole said during Question Period in the Ontario Legislature today.

He called on the Premier to explain the gap between the government’s job numbers and the day-to-day reality in many Ontario communities facing plant closures.

The Durham MPP said the McGuinty government’s job predictions are more undelivered promises. “These are all promissory notes and post-dated cheques,” Mr. O’Toole said.

QUOTE:
•    “The McGuinty government’s job creation predictions are all promissory notes and post-dated cheques from a government with a long history of broken promises.”  – Durham MPP John O’Toole.

QUICK FACTS:
•    The Dalton McGuinty government is promising to create 1 million jobs. The record shows that in 2009 this government presided over the loss of 140,000 net jobs.

CONTACT:
For further information please contact:
John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433

February 22, 2010

NEWS

QUEEN’S PARK – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today that when it comes to building new nuclear generating stations, the McGuinty government is still just kicking the tires.

“This government needs to close the deal on both the New Build project at Darlington and the refurbishing of the Darlington reactors,” Mr. O’Toole said. “Nuclear power is the key to thousands of skilled Ontario jobs and a reliable source of clean power for the future.”

During Question Period in the Ontario Legislature Feb. 22, Mr. O’Toole joined Energy Critic John Yakabuski in calling for the McGuinty government to make a firm commitment to both the refurbishment of existing Darlington reactors and the New Build project.

Rod Sheppard, President of the Society of Energy Professionals, has said: “If Pickering only operates to 2020, then something must be done very, very quickly to get some new construction going.”

Mr. O’Toole says he is somewhat encouraged to learn that McGuinty government intends to proceed with both projects. “But we still lack a firm commitment that will put shovels in the ground and bring jobs to the local economy.”

“Considering the enthusiasm of the McGuinty government for the $7 billion Samsung energy deal with offshore investors, I hope we can count on a prompt decision from the McGuinty government. We need a commitment that will safeguard the future of nuclear energy in Ontario,” Mr. O’Toole said.

QUOTE:
•    “This government needs to close the deal on both the New Build project at Darlington and the refurbishing of the existing Darlington reactors. So far, the McGuinty government is still kicking the tires.”  – John O’Toole, MPP – Durham

QUICK FACTS:
•    The building of two new reactors at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station would mean 3,500 construction jobs and 1,500 operation positions.

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CONTACT:
For further information please contact:
John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433

February 22, 2010

NEWS:

QUEEN’S PARK – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today that the McGuinty government must take action to fix flaws in the funding framework governing Ontario Children’s Aid Societies.

The Province of Ontario has allocated $26.9 million to help Ontario Children’s Aid Societies face budget shortfalls.

In the case of the Durham CAS, their share of added funding is $686,000. However, the agency’s projected shortfall is $4.2 million.

Speaking in the Ontario Legislature today, Mr. O’Toole said. “This government must ensure Durham, and indeed all, Children’s Aid Societies have the funding they need to protect vulnerable families, children and youth.”

He noted that the Durham CAS has warned that the funding will merely delay some potentially devastating cuts. “I urge this government to look beyond short-term, temporary measures and to address the problems in the funding framework,” Mr. O’Toole said.

QUOTE:

“This government must ensure Durham, and indeed all, Children’s Aid Societies have the funding they need to protect vulnerable families, children and youth.”
– John O’Toole, MPP – Durham

QUICK FACTS:
•    The Province of Ontario has allocated $26.9 million to help Ontario Children’s Aid Societies stay afloat.
•    The Durham Children’s Aid Society’s share of this allocation is $686,000.
•    The Durham CAS projected shortfall is $4.2 million.

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For further information please contact:
John O’Toole, MPP – Durham  /  (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433

February 4, 2010

NEWS:

QUEEN’S PARK – Durham MPP John O’Toole said today that the Dalton McGuinty government is turning its back on made-in-Ontario energy partnerships, and choosing costly deals with foreign companies. “This government’s misguided dependence on offshore firms will lead to bigger hydro bills, and fewer jobs for energy centres like the Durham Region and our Durham Riding,” Mr. O’Toole warned.

He was commending on the recent $7 billion renewable energy deal between Ontario and a South Korean consortium of Samsung and Korea Electric Power Corp.

“This government could have put together a strong partnership with Ontario’s own leading energy companies,” Mr. O’Toole said. “Here in Durham Region and Durham Riding we have two of the world’s major nuclear power stations, plus a skilled workforce, innovative energy companies and outstanding research and education facilities at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.”

Instead of working with Ontario partners, the McGuinty Government has signed a contract agreeing to pay a foreign multi-national a premium price for large renewable energy projects. This power will cost 13.5 cents per kilowatt hour for wind and 44.3 cents for solar. That compares to the current energy price of between five and six cents per kilowatt hour for existing Ontario electricity production.

Mr. O’Toole called for a review of the sole-sourced contract with the South Korean consortium and for a commitment to build two new reactors at Darlington. “Renewable energy must be part of the mix. However, the new units at Darlington will provide lower cost base-load power for Ontario’s long-term energy future. The Darlington project will also mean 3,500 construction jobs and 1,500 jobs in operations, plus numerous spin-off benefits,” the Durham MPP said.

QUOTE:

“This government’s misguided buy-Korean policy will lead to paying more, with fewer jobs created in energy centres like the Durham Region, at our colleges and universities, and indeed throughout Ontario.

- John O’Toole, MPP – Durham

QUICK FACTS:

The building of two new reactors at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station would mean 3,500 construction jobs and 1,500 operation positions.

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For further information please contact:
John O’Toole, MPP – Durham  /  (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433