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:

DR. VED TANDAN, PRESIDENT, ONTARIO MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
"Ontario's doctors are pleased to see that the government shares our focus on end of life care…We are also supportive of the government's ongoing commitment to strengthen capacity in the community sector so that we can provide care closer to home, when it's needed."

CAROL WILDING, PRESIDENT & CEO, TORONTO REGION BOARD OF TRADE
"This Budget turns the corner on long-term, regional funding and offers hope that our decades long quest to wrestle with traffic gridlock is moving in the right direction. Fixing gridlock has been the number one priority for our members for over a decade as it is costing our regional economy six to twelve billions dollars in lost productivity annually."

SAM HAMMOND, PRESIDENT, ETFO
"We're pleased to see some movement in addressing the needs of students from low-income families."

JIM WATSON, MAYOR, CITY OF OTTAWA
"I am delighted with the provincial budget today and see it as a historic step forward in building a greener, more sustainable nation's capital."

NANCY CROITORU, PRESIDENT & CEO, FOOD & CONSUMER PRODUCTS OF CANADA
"Ontario's Premier is making the right decision to invest in a major engine of Ontario's economy - food and beverage manufacturing. Programs such as the one announced today will help the sector compete, innovate and grow."

TIM GRAY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE
"We're pleased that the Ontario government is following through on its commitment to conservation. This budget funds programs that encourage large and small businesses to conserve electricity."

GREG DEGROOT-MAGGETTI, 25IN5 NETWORK FOR POVERTY REDUCTION
"We are glad to see these sensible tax changes that make our tax system fairer and take a step toward reducing income inequality."

FERIDUN HAMDULLAHPUR, PRESIDENT & VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
"We are extremely grateful that the Province of Ontario continues to create the conditions for Ontario, and Canada, to lead the world in quantum information research."

PASCALE DAIGNEAULT, PRESIDENT, ONTARIO BAR ASSOCIATION
"I am pleased that the government recognizes the need to raise financial eligibility levels, which will help more Ontarians be served by the hardworking lawyers who provide legal aid services at reduced rates."

ANTHONY MOUSTACALIS, PRESIDENT, CRIMINAL LAWYERS' ASSOCIATION
"We applaud the government's recognition of the importance of Ontario's legal aid system…The government is helping to meet the real needs of the vulnerable through LAO's certificate program."

DENISE CARPENTER, PRESIDENT & CEO, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES
"Canada's neighbourhood pharmacy industry strongly supports the continued reform of the country's healthcare delivery system…We look forward to continuing to work with the Province of Ontario to bring healthcare closer to where Ontarians live, work and play."

CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS
"The budget re-affirms the government's commitment to continue working with CFIB on reducing the regulatory burden on small business."

MICHAEL PERLEY, DIRECTOR, ONTARIO CAMPAIGN FOR ACTION ON TOBACCO
"We strongly support the government's decision to increase tobacco taxes today, a measure that research shows is the single most effective intervention to reduce the use of tobacco industry products."

DAVID BRADLEY, PRESIDENT, ONTARIO TRUCKING ASSOCIATION
"We commend the provincial government for having the courage to close the loophole [exempting heavy trucks from certain fees]."

CARY LIST, PRESIDENT & CEO, FINANCIAL PLANNING STANDARDS COUNCIL
"FPSC is encouraged by the government's intention to move forward in investigating the need for tailored regulation of financial planners."

COUNCIL OF ONTARIO UNIVERSITIES
"Universities support the provincial government's job focus in the 2014 Ontario Budget released today…The government's Jobs and Prosperity Fund and Youth Employment Fund are aligned with Ontario universities' goal to support graduates while spurring economic growth, innovation and jobs."

SOURCE: Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

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