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

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

SID RYAN, PRESIDENT, ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR
"I don't think [the NDP] should call an election. I don't think they should bring down the government. Labour leaders have spoken to Andrea a couple of weeks ago, and we relayed that message that we think now is an opportunity to get some decent gains for our people in Ontario."

CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS
"The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is pleased to see movement on some small business priorities in today's Ontario budget, including pooled registered pension plans (PRPPs), the Employer Health tax (EHT) exemption and plans to eliminate the provincial deficit."

Derek Burleton, Vice President & Deputy Chief Economist, TD Bank Financial Group
"A lower debt than we expected five, six weeks ago and a lower deficit, so good starting point at least in which we tackle the next four years of restraint."

Kevin O'Dwyer, President, Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association
"We have seen a new tone of openness and collegiality in this new government. We saw this in the recent negotiations with teacher federations and we see this again with the Ontario budget.  Clearly the government has listened to the opposition and to Ontarians in crafting this budget. It shows what can be accomplished if people and parties focus on making minority government work for the common good of all Ontarians."

FRANCES LANKIN, COMMISSIONER, COMMISSION FOR THE REVIEW OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE IN ONTARIO
"We all know how important it is for people on social assistance to have the opportunity to find meaningful employment.  Giving people the chance to earn more without lowering their assistance is a major first step. I am also pleased that the government plans to engage business leaders to champion hiring persons with disabilities."

MUNIR A. SHEIKH, COMMISSIONER, COMMISSION FOR THE REVIEW OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE IN ONTARIO
"I am pleased with the first steps being proposed by the government to improve the social assistance program. The Commission also recommended the structure of the program be fundamentally transformed. I am encouraged this transformation will continue to be on the agenda of the new Cabinet Committee on Poverty Reduction."

Russ Powers, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario
"The government has indicated an accountability and transparency to move forward on dealing with gridlock...I think this is a good start."

Smokey Thomas, President, OPSEU
"I don't see it as an election budget."

Constance Adamson, President, Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations 
"We're pleased to see that youth and youth employment are priorities for Premier Wynne."

Graham Henderson, President, Music Canada
"Music is a superpower that's primed and ready to perform for Ontario. It's a smart investment given the globally competitive advantage we have in the recorded and live music sectors. Research has shown that targeted support for music will pay off with enormous dividends including job growth, increased investment, tourism and the transformation of Ontario into one of the recording capitals of the world." 

Kaley Kennedy, Canadian Federation of Students
"We are happy to see that the government will be spending some money on a youth employment strategy"

Sarah Blackstock, 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction
"We think this budget is an opportunity to continue reducing poverty in Ontario. We are really eager to see the opposition parties work with the government to ensure that we continue making progress"

Julia Deans, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Youth Business foundation
"CYBF is delighted that the Ontario government is affirming and deepening its commitment to help young entrepreneurs create businesses and jobs in their communities."

Steve Jordan, founder and Executive Director, Polaris Music Prize
"The new Ontario Music Fund is a welcome investment in Ontario's music industry and in our world class cast of talented artists and musicians. We look forward to learning more about the program and how we can work with the government to build on the entrepreneurial spirit in the music community."

Gil Moore, CEO, Metalworks Group
"On behalf of our 85 employees at Metalworks, I wish to congratulate the Government of Ontario for its commitment to maintaining a vibrant music industry.  As a result of today's announcement, the industry will get a much needed boost in the arm…Today is a great day for music in Ontario." 

SARAH JAYNE KING, CHAIRPERSON, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF STUDENTS-ONTARIO
"Students welcome investments to address youth unemployment."

SOURCE: Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

Liberal Caucus Service Bureau
416-325-9138