More Experts Agree: Ontario Liberals Focused on Common Ground of Strong Economy, Fair Society, Effective Legislature

QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Feb. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - More experts agree the Ontario Liberals are working toward a stronger province that will create good jobs and build sustainable communities across the province:

SUE VANDERBENT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ONTARIO HOME CARE ASSOCIATION
"Ontario seniors want to remain at home, in safety and with independence as they age. The promise of an expansion of home care services is very welcome."

JOANNE DI NARDO, SENIOR MANAGER OF PUBLIC ISSUES, CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY IN ONTARIO
"We know that about half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect people's health. We were reassured to hear that the government remains committed to health promotion, reducing smoking rates and supporting evidence-based health policy."

RUSS POWERS, PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO
"We are encouraged by the Premier's call for a fair and transparent process.  As lawmakers reconvene, municipal leaders from across the province are calling on all three parties to work together and make sure they make these meaningful improvements to the interest arbitration system."

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE
"We commend the Wynne Government for taking this promising step. It can help revitalize and breathe new life into the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We also echo the Government's call for the private sector to take concerted action to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. We look forward to working with the new Economic Development, Trade and Employment minister, Dr. Eric Hoskins, as he takes on this important mandate, and with Ontario's new premier, Kathleen Wynne."

DENIS VAILLANCOURT, LE PRÉSIDENT DE L'ASSEMBLÉE DE LA FRANCOPHONIE DE L'ONTARIO
« L'Assemblée de la francophonie est heureuse de constater que le gouvernement veut reconnaître et célébrer la culture et les contributions de la communauté francophone de l'Ontario. Nous nous réjouissons de l'appel général à la collaboration et nous voulons travailler avec le gouvernement de l'Ontario afin d'actualiser les mesures et veiller à ce que des services en français de qualité soient offerts à tous les citoyens francophones et bilingues de la province.»

DAVID HARVEY, CHIEF PUBLIC POLICY AND PROGRAM INITIATIVES OFFICER, ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF ONTARIO
"The Alzheimer Society of Ontario commends the new Premier for supporting brain research in Ontario through the Ontario Brain Institute. Not only will it help us understand more about the brain but it is also an investment in keeping Ontario a world leader in this important field. We also look forward to working with the new government on the implementation of the Seniors Strategy."

IAIN KLUGMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, COMMUNITECH
"Entrepreneurs need access to capital in order to grow successful companies. Today's announcement reflects the Government of Ontario's continued commitment to support the entrepreneur-driven economy. Communitech works at the front lines to support entrepreneurs in Ontario and I am excited about the opportunity this new venture capital fund will offer."

DEBORAH SIMON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ONTARIO COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSOCIATION
"The Ontario Community Support Association is pleased that the Speech from the Throne includes recognition of the importance of health care in the community and the need to resource community support services and home care to ensure that these critical services are available in a timely fashion. We look forward to working with the new Premier,  government and the home and community support providers across the province to ensure that seniors, people with disabilities and those recovering from acute illness are well supported in their homes by skilled staff and a strong home and community support sector."

LINDA DIETRICH, REGIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DIETITIANS OF CANADA
"The Premier's emphasis on health promotion, patient-centred care, and evidence-based health policy is welcome news to Registered Dietitians in Ontario. There are many opportunities to improve the health of Ontario's population through food and nutrition. "

PAUL LUCAS, PRESIDENT AND CHAIR, LIFE SCIENCES ONTARIO
"This throne speech was a significant first step in its acknowledgement of the importance of investment in innovation to the future success of Ontario's economy. This government understands that even in austerity we must continue to invest in research and commercialization; and work with innovative private sector companies in order to achieve true healthcare sustainability, strengthen our economy, and create high value jobs for young graduates. We also applaud the government's commitment to engaging not-for-profit organizations to assist in moving this agenda forward." 

AL MCDONALD, MAYOR OF NORTH BAY
"I am encouraged that there's going to be a lot of dialogue with municipalities."

DON MCGUGAN, MAYOR OF BROOKE- ALVINSTON TOWNSHIP
"That has to be a positive if she's at least willing to talk…  If they at least open the doors up and we can have a dialogue, that's a positive."

LINDA HASLAM-STROUD, PRESIDENT, ONTARIO NURSES' ASSOCIATION
"The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) is pleased to see that today's Speech from the Throne includes promises to build relationships and treat Ontario's labour force fairly and with respect, to build a strong health care system that expands home care, to evaluate corporate tax compliance to ensure corporations are paying their fair share and to explore an increase in the Employer Health Tax exemption threshold."

M. BRYAN LAFORME, CHIEF OF THE MISSISSAUGAS OF THE NEW CREDIT
"It's very gratifying for us to know that the Premier is acknowledging the fact that she is on the traditional land of our people. I've known Wynne for years and she has always been very respectful. We need to make sure that the [federal government] carries out their fiduciary responsibilities for First Nations in education or infrastructure and other issues and the province plays a role in that, too."

RALPH PALUMBO, VICE PRESIDENT, INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA
"We're committed to helping the government implement the Task Force recommendations and other sensible reforms to build an affordable and competitive auto insurance system that works for everyone. Our industry will continue to work diligently with the government, opposition parties and everyone who shares our vision."

SOURCE: Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

Liberal Caucus Service Bureau
416-325-9138