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Orono WeeklyTixnes, Wednesday. March 17, 1999 7 Staying in Touch by John O'Toole, MPP The recent beating oil spill aI, the Bo wmanville Pl ant of Goodyear Canada iý the first accident in over 90 years of peration in Ibis commiunity. Plant Manager Mr. Wally Hicks, called and Advised me of the situation and explained the containment and cleanup operations. I also contacted the M inister of the Environment, the Hon. Norm Sterling, and was advised that the Ministry is on site monitoring the cleanup. Many constituents have called and expressed conicern ,about this situation. I was impressed with reports by the local media and the proactive comnmunica- lion plan by the plant. This event demonstrates the del icate alance that exists inour envi- ýronrnent. Industries like Goodyear Canada, Ontario Hy dro Darlington or General Motors and ibie nmaly sm-rall industries 'in oir conununity, create jobs and prosperity but they also present a challenge or risk of accidents. li-Y my opin- ion, the Ontario governiment bas the responsibility 10 ensure that we have effective stan- dards and enforcement policies and procedures. Safety must alasbe a top priority and I wouild expect that any opera- tion, be il a farrn business or other industy, wvould put safety athIe top of tbe lisI. 1 will con- tinuie 1fota in toucb with Goodyeari and ibie Minlistry of the Environmient on Ibis imipor- tant situiation1. The leaiked H4ealth Canada report on smog12 last week indi-, cated thiat Ontairiolbas. the greatest sm-og problem. This is flotsurprising as we have the greatest concentration of popu- lation and, industry and we are adjacent to the Amnerican idustrial area. However, this finding is not acceptable. Clearly Ontario already bas the toughest air quality standards at 80ppb., compared to 82ppb in the rest of Canada. We have inslituted the Drive Clean Program, wbicb will reduce sm-og by 22%. We are suing American poll uters, wbich cause 50% of Ontarios air pol- lution. We have also put in place a plan to reduceozone- producing substances and other noxious chemnical compounids, by 45%. Our air, water and land support life itself and we Ïusi eacb remnain vigilant. 1- was pleased wilb tbe recent StatsCan mnontb îy report on the February emrploymnent figures. Since 1995, Ontarios econorny is oulpacing the rest of Canada. Ontario created 23,000 new jobs in February wlile tbe rest of tbe country added just .13,000 new Jobs. Our province bas accurnulated over 540,000 net new jobs unemploynient rate since I1990. Ontarios econorny is forecast- 10 continue 10 grow at a faster rate than the rest of Canad'a. Clearly, our government imusi continue t10 make ýOntario the best place to invest by miaking it easier to do business. If you recaîl, during the last election, we promnised to eliminate red tape-and barriers 10 growtb, as welIl we pr.omised toi make ONTARIOOW-ER GINERATIN Ontario more collipetitive in taxes on business sucb a1S ellim- inating the employer hiealth ta\, compensation prem iums and smnall business corporate taxes. Billionaire Mr. Pauil Desmiarais of Power Corporation and a relative to Prime Minster, Jean Chiretien, was recently inter- viewed by Diane Francis in the March 1Il l National Post. He said, "'exo rb itant 'taxes are dri- ving- Canadians to the U.S.". Ontario must continue te, attract business with the rigbt plan that recognizes that govern- ments don'tl create jobs, thiey only crate the right climale for invesiment. The popular Ontario Ranger Programn is once again accepi- îng applications for summi-er employment. The programn is designed to, provide jobs for anyone who is 17 years old, (born in 1982). The deadline C0%lass f or expectant big Choices Education Services is nization tlb based prei profession and post p expectantf Choices Sibling Prel expectant sisters. Th date for ail D0, 1999.1 in fmndingc unique surn ty, please c. Office at (9ý 800-661 -24' brothers & sisters s Childbirlh on adjusting to a new baby. n and Doula safety issues and how to help a non-profit orga- mom and dad take care of the at provides choice- latest addition to the family. mnatal education, Children will get a chance to ia labour support discuss their feelings about parluma support to havîng a new baby in the faxilies. home and practice dressing will be holding a and diapering baby doîls. eparation Class for Children will also make a gift big brothers and for mom and baby and learn le Class will focus about early labour in an age appropriate mariner. Cholces wi'Il be holding the applications is April sibling preparation program If you are interestedl in Pickering on Saturday, out more about tIhis Apilî 24 from 10 a.m. - 11:30 nimrer _job opportuni- a.m.ý All myv constituenicy Choices at (905) 420-0223 or 05) 697-1501,or 1- (416),410-9931. Ontario (Hdro. Company