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

QUEEN'S PARK, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - More experts agree that yesterday's Ontario Liberal budget creates jobs and helps people in their everyday lives:

ED JACYNO, MAYOR, PEMBROKE
"Overall, it looks positive.  I was hoping Premier Wynne was looking to help Ontarians, and this budget seems to be pushing the right buttons as far as I'm concerned."

RANDY HOPE, MAYOR, CHATHAM-KENT
"I think they're trying to do all the right things per se, with everything from the business climate to workforce development to roads and bridges."

CHRIS FRIEL, MAYOR, BRANTFORD
"Brantford Mayor Chris Friel said the continued uploading of social services will help create more room in the city's budget….Friel also liked the government's proposed Youth Employment Strategy."

BRIAN McMULLAN, MAYOR, ST. CATHARINES
"St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan was buoyed by the prospect of transit funding, particularly for GO Transit. He said expansion could possibly lead to GO trains in Niagara."

FRANK SCARPITTI, MAYOR, MARKHAM
"I think it's a positive start for new funding and revenue for the massive transit investment that has to happen across the GTA."

JIM WATSON, MAYOR, OTTAWA
"This is a budget that looks like it addresses concerns that I hear regularly from people here in Ottawa…We are delighted to see that the government will make the gas tax permanent with legislation…Making the provincial gas tax permanent allows us to plan more confidently for the future. We're also pleased to see more than $35 billion in infrastructure investments over the next three years."

ROB FORD, MAYOR, TORONTO
"I'm happy the city's portion of the provincial gas tax will be made permanent."

MITZIE HUNTER, CEO, CIVICACTION
"For the first time in a very long time, we're seeing our elected officials actually commit to new sources of revenue for transportation expansion in a provincial budget."

PLAMEN PETKOV, ONTARIO DIRECTOR, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESS
"I would describe the budget as encouraging. They kept spending under 1 per cent, in line with our recommendation. The deficit is down to $9.8 million."

JOE COUTO, ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE
"Top cops welcome permanent funding for anti-guns and gangs programs in ONT Budget…Congrats to Minister Meilleur for doing what's right and providing funding to support our First Nations police to cover loss of federal funding."

DENISE VAILLANCOURT, ASSEMBLEE DE LA FRANCOPHONIE DE L'ONTARIO
"Despite difficult economic conditions, these measures will ensure a better future for everyone, and we applaud the government for maintaining its focus on areas that are essential for the development of Ontarians."

CAMILLE QUENNEVILLE, CEO, CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (ONTARIO DIVISION)
"The government's investment in the community sector will increase availability of services for adults with mental health and/or addiction needs. We applaud the government for recognizing the vital role of community-based services by investing upstream."

ACCELERATE ONTARIO
"Ontario's 2013 Budget includes a number of new commitments relevant to the Province's technology sector…This Budget recognizes the importance of these issues to Ontario's future competitiveness, including the need for skills training and the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation as core parts of Ontario's Economic Plan for Jobs and Growth."

ONTARIO HOME BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION
"Ontario Home Builders' Association President Leith Moore applauded efforts to reduce the deficit and noted that higher than expected levels of new construction activity contributed to growth in provincial revenues."

ONTARIO PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION
"OPHA commends the provincial government in addressing the health inequality needs of low-income populations who may be at greater risk of health concerns. Investments and commitments related to Social Assistance and Ontario Works identified in the 2013 Ontario Budget should be acknowledged."

JESSE KUMAGAI, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING, MASSEY HALL AND ROY THOMSON HALL
"We applaud the Ontario government's creation of the Ontario Music Fund, and their recognition that music not only plays a profound role in the cultural lives of Ontarians, but is also an important driver of the economy and a source of valued jobs…We are part of one of the largest and most dynamic music communities in the world and this investment will help maximize its potential, paying dividends for the people of Ontario." 

DEBORAH SIMON, CEO, ONTARIO COMMUNITY SUPPORT ASSOCIATION
"The OCSA welcomes increased funding for home and community support and we look forward to working with the Ontario Government to ensure this funding strengthens quality and access to care."

SHARLEEN STEWART, PRESIDENT, SEIU HEALTHCARE
"We are pleased that some of our recommendations have been incorporated into the budget and we look forward to working with all parties to ensure these new commitments are implemented."

DENISE CARPENTER, PRESIDENT & CEO, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES
"Savings announced by Minister Sousa in today's budget, achieved through drug reimbursement strategies, were developed in partnership with industry. We look forward to a continued role in helping Minister Matthews and health officials design new approaches to the delivery of patient care in the pharmacy."

JOHN BLAKE, PRESIDENT OF THE ONTARIO ROAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
"We commend Premier Wynne and her government for their commitment to investing in the future of our province by investing in transportation infrastructure. Premier Wynne understands the vital role infrastructure plays in our economy today and in the future."

SOURCE: Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

Liberal Caucus Service Bureau
416-325-9138