More Experts Agree: Ontario Liberals Building Opportunity and Security

QUEEN'S PARK, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ - More experts agree that today's Ontario Liberal budget is building opportunity today and security for now and for our future:

Eric Lascelles, Chief Economist, RBC Global Asset Management
"Over the next decade, I'm glad to see we have a better retirement programme. I'm glad to see something is being done about inequality some of the social programs that exist, certainly the infrastructure, as well."

MARY WEBB, SENIOR ECONOMIST, BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
"There's always been a long-standing concern about people in the workforce who don't have a plan. It's very hard for households to save. The government is focused on the middle."

Fred Hahn, President, CUPE
"There are important investments in the Budget...There's lots of good measures here, paying PSWs…that's incredibly important."

Jerry Dias, National President, Unifor
"Today's budget will make a positive difference in the lives of working families in Ontario - and should be supported by the NDP…We hope the NDP will work with the Liberals to pass the budget."

Ontario Health Coalition
"The good news: An Ontario pension plan that will provide an enhanced public pension for those with no private pensions."

SEVAUN PALVETZIAN, CEO, CIVICACTION
"The Budget signals an historic next step toward this vision by proposing a dedicated fund for long-term transportation priorities. This responds to people's pent-up desire for our political leaders to tackle the crushing gridlock that is affecting our daily quality of life."

TYLER EPP, DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY, COLLEGE STUDENT ALLIANCE
"This year's budget will assist prospective and current college students in attaining the skills required for a successful career, therefore lending support to Ontario's economic stability."

David Agnew, President, seneca college of applied arts and technology
"Post-secondary education continues to be an important priority for this government and we are grateful for that…This government has recognized that in their long-term commitment in funding, and that's very much appreciated."

Gail Nyberg, executive director, Daily Bread Food Bank
"Keeping poverty reduction on the table is always the right thing to do…Daily Bread has always been a strong proponent of the Ontario Child Benefit. Indexing it will allow low-income families with children to keep up with the rising costs of living such as food."

KELLY GORMAN, CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY, ONTARIO DIVISION
"Today's budget reaffirms the Ontario government's commitment to cancer prevention and steps like increasing tobacco taxes will have a tremendous impact on saving lives. We know that higher tobacco taxes are the single most effective strategy to reduce smoking, especially among youth."

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."

Michael Roschlau, President & CEO, 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."

Randy Carroll, CEO, Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario
"[The proposed ban to online retailing of unauthorized insurance products] by the Ontario government is very important for our consumers. On behalf of the IBAO I want to give our sincere thanks to Premier Wynne and Minister Sousa. On behalf of all our customers, I want to urge all parties to support this change and pass this budget."

Steve Peters, Director, Alliance of Ontario Food Processors
"The new fund includes $40 million dedicated to the food sector annually for the next 10 years. The Alliance 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."

Elliott Silverstein, Manager - Government Relations, CAA South Central Ontario
"We are optimistic that the steps outlined in the 2014 budget are a start to addressing the congestion that is crippling the GTHA…CAA is also pleased that very important links in the province's highway network such as the expansion of Highways 407, 427 and the widening of Highway 401 are addressed in the budget, and will come to fruition in the near future."

SOURCE: Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

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