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Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Orono Weekly Times - 9 Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole Opposition MPPs Fight Dalton's New Tax Members of the Official Opposition continue to press the provincial government to explain why it is introducing a new tax in the middle of the biggest economic downturn in recent memory. Dalton McGuinty's new tax continues to be the main topic of Question Period. For the average Ontarian, I would estimate this tax will cost about $25 more per week. A few examples of the McGuinty government's tax-on-everything include: postage stamps, theatre admissions, newspapers and magazines, dry cleaning, bus fares, moving vans, train fares and legal services. Ironically, the same government that is attempting to promote energy efficiency through its Energy Star appliances, is now attaching a full 13 per cent GST /PST to these same products. The new tax also includes gasoline, prepared foods sold for $4 or less, hair cuts and even funeral services. The additional sales tax will also add to the costs for families signing up children for sporting events such as hockey and figure skating. Given the fact that the extension of the tax will not come into effect until Canada Day 2010, the McGuinty government needs to really listen to citizens who are clearly saying that this is a tax we just can't afford. It's time to either scrap the tax altogether or bring in reasonable exemptions that will stop the tax grab. Many Durham Riding residents have already contacted me to express their dismay over the implications of the new tax. Small businesses that currently do not have to charge PST will be especially hard hit because their costs will increase. An analysis last week from Wernham Wealth Services says seniors would face an added tax burden. For a retired couple with after-tax income of $41,400 per year, the net tax increase is over $1,500 per year. I welcome your comments about how this tax will affect you. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org. My petition against the tax is available through our Constituency Office. Environmental Assessment for GO Rail Extension The extension of GO Rail services to Bowmanville has moved a little closer to reality with news of an environmental assessment. This assessment would look into various aspects of extending rail services from Oshawa to Bowmanville, including additional track requirements and the location of a station and layover facilities. One of the considerations associated with the Bowmanville extension is the choice of rail line. There are two possible routes: one would bring the train to the west Bowmanville Town Centre, north of Hwy. 401 and the other would use the more southerly CN line located south of Hwy. 401. I would like to hear your views on your preferred location for the GO station in Bowmanville. New Energy Law Costs Families More An independent review commissioned by the PC Caucus regarding the provincial government's proposed new energy law estimates there could be an annual cost of $780 per Ontario household. I have also been participating in the Bill 150 (Green Energy Act) hearings at Queen's Park. Unable to get clear answers about the new Energy Act from the government, the Ontario PC Caucus decided to get an expert opinion from London Economics International LLC. The firm is a well-known, highly respected, global economic, financial and strategic advisory firm specializing in energy price forecasting. The review was commissioned by the PC Caucus, and done completely independently. This could be up to a $780 increase annually per household. The addition of the new eight per cent harmonized sales tax will further add to these costs. While the McGuinty government claims the Green Energy Act will create 50,000 jobs, our independent review contends this is unsubstantiated. It says that in fact, higher energy costs could make Ontario less competitive, driving jobs out of the province. In view of the results from the preliminary findings, we wanted to share the information as soon as possible. The full report will be available at the end of the month. One of the more controversial aspects of the green energy legislation (Bill 150) is its requirement of an energy audit before a home is sold. But, that's not the only reason why Bill 150 is cause for concern. This legislation proposes yet another level of bureaucracy, the Renewable Energy Facilitation Office, to oversee the green energy initiatives. Bill 150 also weakens the powers of the Ontario Energy Board to protect consumers and it allows the provincial government to override municipal planning decisions. It reduces accountability of local utilities investing in smaller, green energy projects, and it gives new powers to investigators looking into your hydro consumption. No one is against a green environment. What we are opposed to is not telling people that electricity prices are going to increase by as much as $50 to $75 per month under this legislation. New Regulations on Toxic Materials in Industry The provincial government has introduced a new bill that targets the reduction of toxic materials in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Part of Ontario's toxics reduction strategy introduced last week includes legislation that introduced a number of new requirements for manufacturers. These include tracking and evaluating the use and release of toxic materials as well as developing a plan to reduce the use and release of these materials. You can have your say on Ontario's new legislation against toxic materials by posting your comments on the Environmental Registry web site over the next month. The Bill is available on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca (registry No. 010-6224) for public comment until May 7, 2009. My concern would be to ensure new rules on reducing toxic materials are based on sound science and establish firm targets. We don't need more announcements with no action. The process should also include input from the stakeholders who are directly affected. Legislature Approves Health Professions Act With the passage of the Regulated Health Professions Amendment Act last week, Ontarians have increased protection when they undergo high risk procedures. Cosmetic surgery would be one example of a high-risk procedure affected by the Act. Regulatory colleges are now allowed to directly observe a health professional's practice, including observing a procedure being informed. The investigator may make reasonable inquiries of the health professional, who is required to cooperate fully. Church Directory Newcastle United Church 84 Mill St. S. · 905-987-4515 newcastleunitedchurch@bellnet.ca Orono United Church 111 Church St. N. 905-485-5502 orono.uc@rogers.com Rev. Jim Feairs, B.A., M.Div. Sunday April 19 Local Farm Fresh Produce EGGS Egg-Shack, 4240 Conc.#4, Orono, 905-786-EGGS FRUITS & VEGETABLES Fred's Fruit Market, 4303 Hwy #115, Orono, 905-983-5628. See ad page 11. Sikma Orchards, Hwy. 2, 5 km East of Newcastle, 905-786-153. Apples in season Link Greenhouses, 3990 Bragg Rd., Orono, 905-983-9003 Hydroponic tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn. Strickland Perennial Farm, 5467 Middle Rd. Bowmanville. Pears, 3 varieties of apples, raspberries, & blueberries. H. Richardson Farms Ltd, 4825 Regional Road 9 East, Kendal. Fruit Trees, Strawberry plants, asparagus. MEAT Kendal Vale, 4561 Conc. 6, Kendal, 905-983-6107. Lamb, Wool, Wool Blankets. Lee Farms, 3937 Conc. 8, Orono, 905-983-5370. Organic Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Turkey, Pigs Sikmadale Farm, Orono, 905983-5442 All natural grain-fed beef Clement Poultry, Organically Fed Poultry. Capons, Roasting Chickens & Turkeys. 85 Lovekin Rd., Newcastle 905-987-7239 10:30 am 1st Sunday after Easter Worship, Faith in Motion (3yrs to teen) Workshop Rotation " Now What" Nursery Care Provided Rev. Dorinda Vollmer 905-697-9715 Sunday April 19 Service begins at 11am The Masons take part in the service. Special Music provided. Sunday School and Nursery Room provided. Wheelchair Accessible Rev. Canon David R. Saunders, CD Anglican Churches St. George's - Newcastle 250 Mill St. S. · 905-987-2019 8 a.m. - Holy Communion 11:15 a.m. - Worship, Sunday School Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer 2nd & 4th Sunday Coffee and Fellowship to follow St. Saviour's - Orono 27 Mill Street · 905-987-2019 9:30 a.m. - Worship, Sunday School, Youth Group Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer - 2nd & 4th Sunday Coffee and Fellowship to follow Reserve your listing in our new, weekly Agriculture's Bounty Contact us to place your listing 905-983-5301 or oronotimes@rogers.com LOCAL FARMERS