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A 4 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday October 10, 2001 A m e s sag e o f HO PE A N D A C T IO N T h e events of September 11 were devastating tragedies and the people of Ontario responded generously, lending heartfelt support to those suffering sorrow and pain. To everyone who reached out with condolences, who donated blood, who gave money or found other ways to help the victims and families of these terrorist acts - thank you. If ever there was a time when America needs a friend, it is now. You didn't hesitate. You responded immediately. So did your government. Since September 11, w e've taken swift action to protect our people, our province, and our economy: Protecting Our People · We appointed Norman Inkster, retired commissioner of the RCMP, as well as retired Major-General Lewis MacKenzie as provincial security advisors. · We are undertaking a thorough review of Ontario' s emergency response plans. · We will require all municipalities to maintain emergency response plans and train their employees. · We will work with owners and operators of large buildings and public facilities to develop appropriate emergency response programs. Protecting Our Province · We will quickly introduce legislation to increase security for documents such as birth certificates. · We're establishing a special police unit to assist federal officers in tracking down criminal offenders who are in Ontario illegally, and w e'll aggressively seek their deportation. · We will work with the federal government to ensure that any person who requires high security while awaiting immigration hearings is detained in a maximum security institution. Protecting Our Economy · We're calling for co-ordinated customs procedures and the creation of a common North America-wide security perimeter. · We will introduce legislation to accelerate cuts in personal income taxes as well as corporate income and capital taxes. · We're requesting meetings with New York Governor George Pataki and the other Great Lakes Governors as well as business leaders to boost trade and economic growth. O n t a r i o i s p r e p a r e d t o w e a t h e r u n c e r t a i n t i m e s . Ontario's economy is strong. In fact, we are in better shape to weather a period of economic uncertainty than we ever have been. And while Ontario is already a very safe place to live, when it comes to jobs, safety and our economy, there is always more we can do. And we are working hard to do it. We have enormous pride and confidence in the people of Ontario, in their compassion for others, in their courage and character, and in their entrepreneurial spirit. Working together, we know we will achieve the bright, prosperous future the people of Ontario want and deserve. We want you to know that your governm ent will continue to do everything possible to protect your jobs, our economy, our province - and you. Mike Harris Ontario's Premier ® O n ta r io PLEASE ADD YOUR IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS. 1-888-668-4636