More Experts Agree: Ontario Liberals Building Opportunity and Security

QUEEN'S PARK, May 2, 2014 /CNW/ - More experts agree that today's Ontario Liberal budget is building opportunity today and security for now and for our future:

KEITH HOBBS, MAYOR, CITY OF THUNDER BAY
"I'd really like to see this Ring of Fire piece go forward and the feds somehow…I'm hoping the budget passes and that issue is resolved."

CHRIS FRIEL, MAYOR, CITY OF BRANTFORD
"This is a pretty comprehensive budget. They hit all the right notes for municipalities. I'm pretty positive about all these initiatives and I would hope we see them come to fruition."

MARIANNE MATICHUK, MAYOR, GREATER SUDBURY
"This is excellent news for Greater Sudbury. Maley [Drive] has long been a priority for city council and I'm proud our patience and hard work has been rewarded."

DAVE CANFIELD, MAYOR, CITY OF KENORA AND PRESIDENT, NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION
"It's absolutely imperative that [Moving Ontario Forward] go through… If the east-west road [to the Ring of Fire] is developed, that is going to mean supplies from east to west, and it will definitely have a positive impact on all of Northwestern Ontario."

ROB BURTON, MAYOR, TOWN OF OAKVILLE
"As a Mayor I have to appreciate a provincial budget that funds essential work to get our people, goods, services - and economy - moving."

JOHN SAWYER, PRESIDENT, OAKVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
"There are a lot of businesses in Oakville that will benefit from [investment in the Ring of Fire]. We have a lot of engineering companies based here and suppliers to the mining industry. So that is one bit of good news for Oakville."

TOM DODDS, CEO, SAULT STE. MARIE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
"Anything that assists the community to be more competitive in its ability to get goods to the market (is welcome)…We have to export to grow the community. I'm encouraged by that."

JEFF GARRAH, CEO, KINGSTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
"Kingston Economic Development Corporation CEO Jeff Garrah said he is encouraged by the budget, in particular a new $2.5 billion jobs and investment fund, $40 million of which Garrah said will be allocated to the food- processing sector…Garrah said the budget could encourage companies to invest in Kingston and Ontario."

ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
"Ontario is moving forward with sector-based strategies in an effort to capitalize on the province's competitive advantages…The OCC is pleased to see the government taking a sector-based approach to economic development."

THE CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING FEDERATION OF CANADA
"Ontario co-ops welcome budget commitment to affordable housing funding."

ERIC DENOUDEN, PRESIDENT, ONTARIO HOME BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION
"The cost of the infrastructure investments outlined in the budget is being equitably allocated…I'm pleased the province recognized that all Ontarians benefit from a functional transportation system."

CANDACE CHARTIER, CEO, ONTARIO LONG TERM CARE ASSOCIATION
"Today's announcement means that the homes where residents live will not only be safer, but will provide the right space and support for the needs of residents today and tomorrow."

DIANE J. BRISEBOIS, PRESIDENT & CEO, RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA
"We applaud the government's balanced approach to reinvesting in the infrastructure of this province to support the movement of goods and people that is vital to a healthy economy."

FRANK SWEDLOVE, PRESIDENT, CANADIAN LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
"PRPPs will be able to hit the ground running, giving Ontario workers the immediate opportunity to start saving for retirement at the workplace…The addition of PRPPs will provide an effective, targeted solution for those without workplace plans, especially those in small and medium-sized businesses."

MARIO PALUZZI, SAULT AREA HOSPITAL
"We certainly want to see our patients be able to move back out into the community, either in their own homes or in assisted living. Certainly, PSWs play a role in that...We're happy to see that they feel like they're fulfilled and they're happy doing what they're doing. It helps the whole system."

BOB KENNEDY, DEAN, RICHARD IVEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
"Ivey welcomes the Province's support for this important initiative and its recognition of the value of the Lawrence Centre's research. Growing our economy is in everyone's interest. The Trillium Network will contribute to that effort by bringing together firms, educational organizations and government to take concrete action to revitalize our manufacturing sector."

PATRICK DILLON, BUSINESS MANAGER, PROVINCIAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL OF ONTARIO
"Today's budget announcement to dedicate over $130 billion towards public infrastructure projects over the next 10 years shows the government's firm commitment to invest in workers…It is my hope that the political parties will work together to pass this budget for the sake of Ontarians who are eager to maximize job opportunities to support their families and build a better province."

PAUL BOOTHE, DIRECTOR, LAWRENCE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR POLICY AND MANAGEMENT, IVEY BUSINESS SCHOOL
"Bringing together business, educational institutions and governments to take action through the Trillium Network is one way for the Province to make a practical contribution to revitalizing our manufacturing sector."

MURRAY GOLD, MANAGING PARTNER, KOSKIE MINSKY
"This is the first time in quite a long time that we have had a serious attempt to deal with the retirement income crisis. At the end of the day, it provides somebody with a secure and predictable benefit."

JENNEFER LAIDLEY, INCOME SECURITY ADVOCACY CENTRE
"Making a significant investment in OW for single people who live in the greatest depth of poverty is critically important."

PEDRO BARATA, UNITED WAY TORONTO
The budget's plan to require all provincially funded infrastructure projects to include jobs for at-risk youth, starting with Toronto's Eglinton Crosstown LRT, is "a complete surprise and just fantastic."

SOURCE: Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

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