Experts Agree: Ontario Liberal Budget Builds Ontario Up

QUEEN'S PARK, July 14, 2014 /CNW/ - The experts agree that today's Ontario Liberal budget is a plan to build opportunity and security for today and tomorrow by taking immediate action to create jobs by investing in a highly skilled workforce, building modern infrastructure and transportation networks, and supporting a dynamic and innovative business climate.

FRED HAHN, PRESIDENT, CUPE

"Should we be investing in infrastructure? Absolutely. Is that a smart investment for our future? You bet it is."

ALLAN O'DETTE, PRESIDENT & CEO, ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

"I think the budget strikes a good degree of balance in that, this afternoon we heard again affirmation to invest in Northern Ontario, the Ring of Fire…We are very, very pleased to see that and we would like to see the federal government get a little bit more engaged in that project….We recognize the significance of having the pension funds available for that cohort of Ontarians that are going to need it."

DORIS GRINSPUN, CEO, REGISTERED NURSES' ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO

"We are pleased that a lot of funding is being spent in healthcare and in education and in transit.  All of which will bring healthier people.  So registered nurses all in all are very pleased.  We also are delighted that the Premier has committed to move with us, in prescribing which will ensure much faster access to the public for health services."

NORM BEAL, CHAIR, FOOD AND BEVERAGE ONTARIO

"Food and Beverage Ontario is excited about working with government to grow our industry. The Jobs and Prosperity Fund is attractive to our members who are striving to continue to provide quality food and beverages in a competitive economy."

NORM CHEESMAN, CEO, ONTARIO PUBLIC TRANSIT ASSOCIATION

"This budget confirms the Ontario government's visionary leadership, commitment to public transit and better mobility for Ontarians in the future… The 2014 Ontario budget is a bold step in the right direction."

MICHAEL ROSCHLAU, PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE CANADIAN URBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION

"The creation of dedicated funds for transit and transportation—and providing them with guaranteed revenue sources—shows vision and determination to make a difference...This is what we need to address today's challenges of steady urban and suburban growth, the aging of the population, challenges affecting the economy and our environment."

JIM WATSON, MAYOR, CITY OF OTTAWA

"Great news that Ontario budget includes funds for Ottawa River Action Plan!"

ANITA KHANNA, ONTARIO CAMPAIGN 2000

"Increasing the wages of childcare workers recognizes the vital role they play in providing high quality early childhood education and care services in Ontario. We also commend the commitment to fund the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative at an additional $42 million a year."

LESLEE THOMPSON, CHAIR, COUNCIL OF ACADEMIC HOSPITALS OF ONTARIO & CEO, KINGSTON GENERAL HOSPITAL

"Ontario continues to deserve recognition for its commitment to investing in research infrastructure and in bringing health research discoveries to market. On behalf of CAHO, we thank Ontario for these forward-looking commitments."

KAREN MICHELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COUNCIL OF ACADEMIC HOSPITALS OF ONTARIO

"Health research makes Ontario healthier, wealthier and smarter. We are very pleased that today's Budget confirms support for key pieces that we need for that end-to-end health innovation system in Ontario."

LAUREL ROTHMAN, NATIONAL COORDINATOR, CAMPAIGN 2000

"As Premier Wynne has declared, the federal government must come to the table with a serious commitment to providing resources to the provinces in order to strengthen progress in reducing and preventing poverty."

GREG DEGROOT-MAGGETTI, 25 IN 5: NETWORK FOR POVERTY REDUCTION

"The reintroduction of Budget 2014 and the commitment to release the next five-year Poverty Reduction Strategy before the fall lays a strong foundation for the next stage of action to reduce and eliminate poverty in Ontario. Today's Budget provides concrete investments that can be built upon to improve the lives of thousands of Ontarians who struggle daily to make ends meet."

ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO

"AMO looks forward to more detail on $100M permanent, predictable infrastructure funding for small, rural and northern municipalities."

LINDA FRANKLIN, PRESIDENT & CEO, COLLEGES ONTARIO

"To ensure that students get the best post-secondary education possible, they must have access to safe and effective learning environments. We are pleased that the government has reaffirmed its commitment to essential repairs."

SHARLEEN STEWART, PRESIDENT, SEIU HEALTHCARE

"This is great news for over 30,000 low-wage workers that are so vital to our communities. As soon as the budget passes, we look forward to hearing from the new Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Dr. Eric Hoskins about next steps so our members know how and when they will start to receive this raise."

SOURCE: Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

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