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8 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, September 8, 2011 Region to question candidates with the bourgeoning young population are also priorities. The document, A strong Halton for a Some of the first questions posed to strong Ontario, was released earlier this Halton's provincial candidates will come summer and serves as an advocacy platfrom the Region itself. form that sets out the Region's position Last week, Halton Regional Chair on key issues impacting residents. Gary Carr sent a questionnaire to MPP Some of the requests of Ontario's next hopefuls in Milton, Oakville, government in the report inHalton Hills and Burlington clude a complete review of the for their take on Halton's most Development Charges Act and pressing election issues. fast-tracking Metrolinx projAsked what's at the top of ects with 100 per cent provinthe list, Carr said the $8.6 bilcial funding for GO Transit. lion in future infrastructure The report also places a comes to mind. strong emphasis on preserv"We want to ensure water ing Halton's natural landscape and waste water facilities, and outlines Halton's opregional roads, provincial position the proposed GTA GARY schools and hospitals will be West and Niagara to GTA CARR there for our population," corridors, further quarry exsaid Carr. pansion on the escarpment and asks for Halton's population is expected to a provincial commitment to the Randle double to 780,000 by 2031. Reef clean up. In the last month, Milton's, BurlingSimilar questionnaires were sent to ton's and Halton Hills's hospital expancandidates in the last provincial election sions have been given the go-ahead from and during May's federal election. the Province, but Carr said he'd like Carr said during those campaigns, alpromises that all the hospital projects most every candidate took the time to fill will come to fruition. out the questionnaires. "The government could change. It Carr added that the questionnaire could be a minority (government). We're serves as a mechanism to ensure candiasking all candidates about the hospitals. dates stick to their word if elected. We don't want the plans to change as a Completed questionnaires will be result of the election." Carr said expanding Hwy. 401 through posted at www.halton.ca/ontarioelecHalton and ensuring schools keep up tion2011 throughout September. By CHRISTINA COMMISSO Metroland Media Group