More Experts Agree: Ontario Liberals Creating Jobs and Helping People in their Everyday Lives

QUEEN'S PARK, ON, May 2, 2013 /CNW/ - More experts agree that today's Ontario Liberal budget creates jobs and helps people in their everyday lives:

IAN HOWCROFT, VICE PRESIDENT-ONTARIO, CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS
"We are pleased to see the government formally recognize the importance of manufacturing to the province's economy… Overall, this budget is a good signal that the province wants to work closer with industry,"

KEN LEWENZA, NATIONAL PRESIDENT, CANADIAN AUTO WORKERS
"These investments in our social and economic fabric are both badly needed, and appreciated.  Creating new jobs and protecting the well-being of our families should be government's top priorities, and this budget starts to acknowledge that."

SUE VANDERBENT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ONTARIO HOME CARE ASSOCIATION
"We are pleased with the budget today because we know it will help us to serve more Ontarians and keep them safe and independent at home."

MERV HILLIER, PRESIDENT & CEO, CERTIFIED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS OF ONTARIO
"We support the direction the government's budget is taking and commend Premier Wynne and Minister Sousa for facing difficult issues head on…This budget sets the tone for renewed inspiration, continued conversations and achievable solutions."

RHONDA SEIDMAN-CARLSON, PRESIDENT, REGISTERED NURSES' ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO
"RNAO applauds the government for accepting the wisdom of Frances Lankin and Munir Sheikh who made this recommendation when they reviewed Ontario's social assistance system."

ALLAN O'DETTE, PRESIDENT & CEO, ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
"This year's budget shows progress on many issues that matter to our members. We applaud progress on Pooled Registered Pensions Plans, and holding the line on Corporate Income Tax will keep us competitive."

FRED HAHN, PRESIDENT, CUPE
"I don't think the people of Ontario necessarily want an election. I don't think this is the time for one."

SAM HAMMOND, PRESIDENT, ELEMENTARY TEACHERS' FEDERATION OF ONTARIO
"Along with employment initiatives, funding to support expansion of summer learning programs for students in low income communities, and funds to improve Aboriginal student achievement, are welcome investments in our youth." 

JANET ECKER, PRESIDENT, TORONTO FINANCIAL SERVICES ALLIANCE
"We are pleased that the actual deficit is better than forecast and we encourage the government to continue on this path."

GAIL NYBERG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DAILY BREAD FOOD BANK
"Key initiatives in this budget will help more people afford to pay the rent and put food on the table, whether they are families with children or single people who are making the move from social assistance to employment. We encourage all parties to support the budget and the positive changes that will help low-income Ontarians facing poverty and hunger."

CANDICE MALCOLM, CANADIAN TAXPAYERS FEDERATION
"There are some indicators of economic growth as well and there's a payroll tax cut which helps, it helps small businesses looking to hire new employees.  So there are some inroads there."

CHERISE BURDA, ONTARIO POLICY DIRECTOR, PEMBINA INSTITUTE
"We are happy to see the Ontario government follow through on promises to fund transit expansion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area by introducing paid express/high occupancy lanes, calling for a national transit strategy, and committing to dedicated transit revenues."

DON FORGERON, PRESIDENT & CEO, INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA
"It looks like the government wants to take a serious look at what is causing premiums to be as high as they are and addressing those in a fundamental way. That's how you fix the system. We are pleased to see that the fundamental review is going to take place."

SLAWKO KLYMKIW, CEO, CANADIAN FILM CENTRE
"The $9 million commitment in the provincial budget is a tremendous boost to digital media jobs and growth in Ontario…Today's announcement renews that opportunity for a whole new generation of talent in film, television, screen acting, music, and digital media."

CANDACE CHARTIER, CEO, ONTARIO LONG TERM CARE ASSOCIATION
"Today's 2% increase in funding will assist in providing safer quality care for Ontario's most frail and vulnerable seniors.  Strengthening long term care is a win for the whole health care system, and essential to building an Ontario where seniors can live well, longer and where we get better value for health care dollars."

CHARLIE CUTTS, CEO, ROY THOMSON HALL AND MASSEY HALL
"The budget validates the intention we had all along with this great opportunity. It's a timely investment in the future of the arts in our province."

SHEILA BLOCK, DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, THE WELLESLEY INSTITUTE
"Kathleen Wynne's first budget provides concrete progress on social assistance reforms."

SHARON BAKER, COO, ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY CARE ACCESS CENTRES
"Like the government, we know that Ontarians want to live, age and receive care in their own homes as long as possible. Caring for more patients at home strengthens the entire health care system, better meets the needs of patients, and is a better value for Ontario's taxpayers.  This investment will also ensure that CCACs are able to support the people who need care the most and relieve pressure on other parts of the health care system."

BILL VREBOSCH, RURAL ONTARIO MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION
"The $100 million being dedicated to rural and northern is exactly what we've been looking for for years. A separation of the money to make sure that rural and northern get a fair share…For the government to recognize that, to me, is a feather in their cap."

INSURANCE BROKERS ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO
"The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) is encouraged that the government intends to implement key measures of the Auto Insurance Anti-Fraud Task Force as a central part of its plan to lower auto insurance premiums."

SOURCE: Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

Liberal Caucus Service Bureau
416-325-9138