Even More Reviews Are In: Ontario Liberal Budget creates jobs and grows the economy

QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Feb. 25, 2015 /CNW/ - Today's Ontario Liberal budget makes investments to build Ontario up, create new jobs and grow the economy.

JOHN TORY, MAYOR, TORONTO
"Our relationship with the province is a vitally important one, and I'm encouraged to see that the 2016 Ontario Budget acknowledges Toronto's priorities including transit and housing. I welcome the province's commitment to SmartTrack and look forward to working collaboratively to deliver this important project to the people of Toronto."  

DAVID AGNEW, PRESIDENT, SENECA COLLEGE & CHAIR, COLLEGES ONTARIO
"The government is committed to producing a stronger workforce for the new economy. We are pleased that college education was a priority in this year's budget."

NEIL TUROK, DIRECTOR, PERIMETER INSTITUTE
"This ongoing support, coupled with investment from other public and private partners, will see the Institute accelerate its pursuit of scientific breakthroughs that will advance basic understanding and drive discovery, innovation, and prosperity in the 21st century. The Institute will also strengthen further its training and educational outreach activities to encourage and develop young scientists and innovators here in Ontario. By supporting Perimeter's growth as a centre of scientific excellence, the Province is making a cost-effective, high-impact investment in our collective future."

GABRIELLE ROSS-MARQUETTE, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE REPRESENTATIVE, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS
"We have a lot to celebrate today with this commitment to fairness, equity and justice for students." 

DAVID LINDSAY, PRESIDENT & CEO, COUNTIL OF ONTARIO UNIVERSITIES
"This new system will provide a more accurate reflection of the actual lower cost of tuition in Ontario and encourage greater participation in postsecondary education."

ANGIE HEYDON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY HEALTH TEAMS OF ONTARIO
"With this new funding, the government has clearly committed to strengthen primary care as the foundation of Ontario's health system. This investment now puts interprofessional primary care teams onto more equal footing to attract and keep the skilled professionals needed to deliver better care, better health and better value for Ontarians." 

JANIS CRAMP, ADDICTIONS & MENTAL HEALTH ONTARIO
"AMHO is pleased that the government has also invested a further $178 million over three years under Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy, including construction of up to 1,500 new supportive housing units over the long-term."

KEITH BROOKS, DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE
"We applaud Ontario for its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in a low-carbon economy. In this budget, Ontario has confirmed its intention to maintain its role as a climate leader. We're pleased Ontario is moving forward with cap-and-trade, and has committed proceeds from cap-and-trade to actions that will further cut carbon. From cleaner air, to more energy efficient homes, to assistance with electric vehicles, taking action on climate change and enacting cap-and-trade will not only help the environment and the economy, it will make life in this province better."

SEVAUN PALVETZIAN, CEO, CIVIC ACTION
"The budget continues to show historic investment in infrastructure of $137 billion over the next 10 years with $178 million over three years for housing subsidies and benefits including the construction of up to 1,500 new supportive housing units. These are investments that are needed and worth celebrating. With 100,000 – 150,000 people coming to the GTHA each year, we encourage the Province to work closely with municipalities to ensure priority projects are identified, funded, and red tape removed so we can see shovels in the ground faster."

MITCHELL COHEN, PRESIDENT, THE DANIELS CORPORATION
"We are thrilled that the budget recognizes the importance of investing in affordable housing, and that particular recognition is given to both Homelessness Prevention and the construction of new supportive housing units.  These investments will create jobs that will have an immediate economic benefit.  As importantly, investments in supportive housing and reducing chronic homelessness will significantly reduce health care costs."

DR. ANGELA MAILIS, CHAIR, ACTION ONTARIO
On behalf of ACTION Ontario, a not for profit organization for patients with chronic pain, including pain from Shingles and Post Herpetic Neuralgia, we are delighted with today's announcement for a Shingles Immunization  Program for Seniors aged 65-70 years of age! Given our ageing population, every effort to keep our seniors healthy maintaining their quality of life and reducing health care utilization, is prudent and welcome.

CHERYL JENSEN, PRESIDENT, ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
"I applaud the efforts by the government to help ensure more Ontarians have access to a quality postsecondary education.  We believe education is one of the best ways to ensure a better quality of life for your family, and new investments in college-based applied research - as outlined in the budget - is an important boost to innovation within our communities. We also congratulate the province for their continued investment in postsecondary education and training for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners."

MAGGIE HEAD, SENIOR MANAGER, POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS, ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS
"Ontario's Naturopathic Doctors are in support of minimizing patients' demands on the Ontario Drug Benefit Program and firmly stand behind Naturopathic Medicine's ability to provide early intervention and reduce patients' reliance on prescription medication."

SHARAD KERUR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ONTARIO NON-PROFIT HOUSING ASSOCIATION
"Ontario's 2016 budget is a positive step to setting the stage for a modernized approach to helping Ontarians with their housing and support needs. We look forward to the formal announcement of the Province's updated LTAHS that will empower communities to better resolve local housing issues and bring us closer to the important goal of ending homelessness."

DOUGLAS PORTER, CHIEF ECONOMIST, BMO CAPITAL MARKETS
"I think the budget is a big step in the right direction."

CHARLENE CATCHPOLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LEEDS & GRENVILLE INTERVAL HOUSE
"We're pleased that this government is continuing to demonstrate leadership by committing funds to ending violence against Indigenous women, including providing additional support to Aboriginal women's shelters."

SHARLEEN STEWART, PRESIDENT, SEIU HEALTHCARE
"In the face of a challenging fiscal situation, investing in homecare and frontline workers is the right way to transform healthcare by meeting the growing needs of those who rely on quality care. SEIU Healthcare looks forward to continuing to work with the Ontario Government to ensure these investments continue into the future."

ALLAN THOMPSON, MAYOR, CALEDON & VICE-CHAIR, ROMA
"The Town of Caledon, as part of the South Western Intelligent Fibre Technology Municipalities (SWIFT) was pleased to see the Province commit to a funding partnership.  This will go a long way in connecting rural Ontario and help to create a sustainable rural economy."

SPENCER NESTICO-SEMIANIW, PRESIDENT, ONTARIO UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ALLIANCE
"University education is now more affordable and now more students will know it."

SOURCE Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

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