Even More Reviews Are In: Ontario Liberals Are Building Ontario Up

QUEEN'S PARK, ON, April 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Today's Ontario Liberal budget makes significant investments that will make Ontario succeed now and into the future:

BONNIE CROMBIE, MAYOR OF MISSISSAUGA
"Budget 2015 reaffirms the government's commitment to build Mississauga's largest infrastructure project and to help break gridlock in communities throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

I further welcome news that the former Lakeview generating station property in south eastern Mississauga will be included as part of a long-term revitalization plan, as part of the government's commitment to unlock the value of provincial assets. This will further allow us to move forward with unleashing the potential of Mississauga's waterfront.

Finally I want to commend the government for taking action to attract new foreign-direct investment opportunities. In March, the City of Mississauga launched the Mississauga International Partnership Program (MIPP) – an initiative to create new and existing connections with cultural business associations to help attract foreign-direct investment, generate economic development opportunities, and improve the City's international competitiveness. Working together we will build up both Mississauga and all of Ontario."

ROB KEFFER, MAYOR OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY
"I shared previously the good news about provincial funding for refurbishing Back St and Line 9, as well as the doubling of GO train service. Today's budget had more good news: an additional $80 million for affordable housing, which I hope we can tap into to deliver on our critical need for seniors' housing. The federal government also announced measures related to affordable housing, so hopefully the stars are aligning.
This is something I will continue to work collaboratively on with the county and other levels of government."

KATHA FORTIER, UNIFOR ONTARIO
"Some of the measures in this budget will help secure a stronger future for Ontarians… More than 60% of Ontario workers do not have a workplace pension plan. Given the failure of the Harper Conservatives to reform the CPP, the importance of the ORPP cannot be understated… Today's budget included much-needed funding for transportation."

REGISTERED NURSES' ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO
"RNAO's president Dr. Vanessa Burkoski says she's pleased the government is keeping its commitment to create 75 new NP positions in long-term care homes, a promise first made by then health minister Deb Matthews in February 2014, and one RNAO expects to see rolled out this year."

STUART JOHNSTON, PRESIDENT, CANADIAN INDEPENDENT MUSIC ASSOCIATION
"The Ontario government's commitment to make the Ontario Music Fund permanent is welcome news, and will give our industry the confidence to invest in Canadian artists for years to come. We applaud the government for its continued support of the Ontario music industry."

JAMIE LIM, PRESIDENT & CEO, ONTARIO FOREST INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION
"We thank Premier Wynne and Minister Mauro for fulfilling their 2014 commitment ‎to OFIA, NOMA and FONOM to provide $60 million in funding for critical resource access road infrastructure in northern and rural Ontario. This is great news because these resource access roads are the foundation of economic development in these regions."

SHARLEEN STEWART, PRESIDENT OF SEIU HEALTHCARE
"Today we are pleased to see the 2015 Ontario budget recommit to raising the base wage for PSWs to at least $16.50 by April 1, 2016. Investing in homecare and the frontline workers who support those who need it is what we've been fighting for from some time, we are pleased to see this budget take further steps to improve home and community care."

KAREN MICHELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COUNCIL OF ACADEMIC HOSPITALS OF ONTARIO
"The Ontario government's adoption of the OHIC recommendations is another example of the government's commitment to Ontario's innovation agenda. CAHO stands ready to partner with the Chief Health Innovation Strategist to bring these recommendations to life. We look forward to helping optimize pathways to adoption for technology and innovation across the system. Ultimately, a more innovative health care system will make Ontario healthier, wealthier, and smarter."

FOOD AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS OF CANADA
"FCPC1 is pleased with today's #ONBudget - agriculture and agri-food recognized as a key sector in the economy @SousaCharles #onpoli"

ONTARIO MUSEUM ASSOCIATION
"The Ontario Museum Association is pleased that the 2015 Ontario budget recognizes the role of museums in celebrating the 400th anniversary of Francophone presence in Ontario."

MICHAEL MCSWEENEY, PRESIDENT AND CEO, CEMENT ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
"Cement Association applauds @Kathleen_Wynne @SousaCharles Ontario gov't cont'd significant investments in transportation & infrastructure"

JANET ROSSANT, INTERIM DIRECTOR, ONTARIO INSTITUTE OF REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
"Ontario is at the forefront of innovation in regenerative medicine and we welcome the ongoing support of the Ontario government. This investment of $25M will ensure that we can continue to advance research and treatments for the benefit of our long term health and prosperity."

MAX BLOUW, PRESIDENT, WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY
"Today's investment by the Province of Ontario is a transformational investment. It leverages the tremendous expertise that Laurier already possesses in business, economics and entrepreneurship, and it will enhance the competitiveness of Canada's technology sector. We are extremely grateful to the Ontario Government and Mike Lazaridis and for their generous investment in our university, in our students and in the broader community."

ANTHONY MOUSTACALIS, PRESIDENT, CRIMINAL LAWYERS' ASSOCIATION
"I am pleased to announce the Wynne government's renewed commitment to funds to raise the financial eligibility for persons applying for legal aid. The financial contribution for 2015 to 2016 will be as stated before, namely 31.5 million dollars. The commitment for 2016-2017 will, again, be as stated before, namely 48.8 million dollars to the plan. The new detail is that the funding for 2017-2018 will be for 67 million dollars.

"This funding will lead to many new certificates and clinic funding. In these times of fiscal restraint, we welcome the renewed commitment for the future of the plan. The Attorney General has also committed to transparent roundtable discussions on legal aid and other justice issues to ensure our views are not just voiced but heard and considered. I am happy with the refreshing openness this government has shown and has promised to make sure it continues with legal aid, and with all justice issues."

SOURCE Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

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