The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

14 - Orono Weekly Times Wednesday, May 6, 2009 O'TOOLE Continued from page 13 unequivocal policy directive that recognizes the rights of community hospitals to continue the valuable service they provide through quality care delivered close to home. Without leadership by the provincial government, I am concerned that, in the years ahead, we may see the continued erosion of services at local hospitals and the concentration of services at larger "super hospitals." In our Riding of Durham, the communities of Uxbridge, Scugog and Clarington, including hospital staff, hospital foundations and auxiliaries and citizens from all walks of life have been strong advocates for our local hospitals. However, it remains to be seen whether the message is getting through to Queen's Park and whether the provincial government will respond with policies and funding that recognize community hospitals. The shortfall between the average per capital hospital funding in Ontario and communities in the GTA-905 regions is about $200 per person. This shortfall must also be addressed if local hospitals are to have the funds they need. I maintain that the 14 Local Health Integration Networks are another branch of bureaucracy and a shield for the Ministry of Health. Opposition Attacks New Provincial Sales Tax A motion against Ontario's proposed new extended sales tax will lead off Opposition Day this week at Queen's Park. The Official Opposition does not support higher taxes for individuals, families and businesses of Ontario. On Monday, May 4, the Ontario PC Caucus will introduce an Opposition Day motion that calls for the McGuinty gov- ernment to listen to the citizens of Ontario and not introduce a new tax. At the time of this global economic downturn, the McGuinty government should be looking at ways to eliminate wasteful spending, not raising taxes again. Our resolution notes the government's plan to harmonize the PST and GST will have a significant impact on home renovators and builders, the real estate sector, and vulnerable citizens throughout our province. Province Strengthens Drinking and Driving Laws Ontario has toughened its impaired driving laws to send the message that drinking and driving are not acceptable under any circumstances. Effective May 1, 2009, drivers found to have a blood alcohol level from 0.05 to 0.08 (sometimes described as the "warn range") will have their licence suspended for three days the first time they are caught. For a second offence, the licence will be suspended for seven days and the driver must attend an alcohol education program. After a third offence, the licence will be suspended for 30 days and the driver must complete a remedial alcohol treatment program while also having an ignition interlock condition placed on their driver's licence for six months. There is also a $150 penalty for each infraction. Novice drivers and young drivers under age 22 must have a blood alcohol concentration of zero while driving. I want to hear your opinions on any issue. If you would like to receive this weekly column by e-mail, please send me your e-mail address. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-6612433 and by e-mail at: john.otooleco@pc.ola.org C l a r i ng t o n E a s t F o o d B a n k 905-9 987-1 1418 Donations always appreciated at the ·