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Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Orono Weekly Times - 13 Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole for delivery charges only, the total electricity bill will rise even if electricity consumed is less. In my view, the government must carefully consider the burden placed on seniors and persons on modest or fixed incomes. Electricity Rates Will Shock Ontario Ontario's power consumers will see higher rates in the New Year. The costs will rise even higher when the eight per cent provincial sales tax is added onto the bill by July of 2010. Hydro One Networks has recently applied for an increase in the delivery charge that would see its average customer's bill rise by 9.5 % in 2010. For 2011, the increase would be 13.3%. In details provided along with its Notice of Application to the Ontario Energy Board, Hydro One said that for a consumer using 1,000 kWh per month, the costs will range from a decrease of 0.86 cents to an increase of $11.20 more. This increase is on the delivery portion of the bill - not the cost of power consumed. The Official Opposition will continue to fight to protect families, seniors and all electricity ratepayers from harmful increases in the months ahead. Electricity is an essential commodity, and affordable power has been a cornerstone of the Ontario economy. Since the rate increase filed by Hydro One is Durham Riding's Fabulous Fairs This past weekend, it was my privilege to attend the annual Blackstock Fair. The fair in Blackstock marks the opening of the fall fair season in our Durham Riding. There are more than 200 fairs and agricultural exhibitions throughout Ontario that run from early spring to summer and late fall. Ontario's fairs highlight our agricultural heritage and also offer great family entertainment. This year's lineup of local attractions at Durham Fairs includes everything from professional wrestling to tractor pulls, concerts and rodeo. As you will know, the Ontario agricultural sector is facing many challenges, with pork producers being especially hard hit by declining prices. Visiting a fair is a great way to learn more about the farm, rural and agribusiness community. And it's a way to show our support for our neighbours who put food on our tables. Dates for our local fairs are as follows: Port Perry Fair - Sept. 4 (evening) & Sept. 5 - Sept. 7 Durham Central (Orono) Fair - Sept. 10 (evening) & Sept. 11 - Sept. 13 Uxbridge Fair - Sept. 11 (evening) & Sept. 12 Sept. 13. Many thanks to the Agricultural Societies for their leadership. Thanks also to the volunteers and sponsors who work so hard to bring us these events. The fairs are focused on a few days each year, but the preparation is year-round. See you at the fair! Opposition Wins First Round in eHealth Review Given the magnitude of the eHealth fiasco, both opposition parties have recommended eHealth be the subject of an all party review led by Ontario MPPs. This month, we cleared the first hurdle towards the public review process. A special meeting of a sub-committee of Government Agencies recently voted in favour of the review. Now we are urging the McGuinty government to do the right thing and use its majority to give the all-party review a green light when the Ontario Legislature resumes its full schedule in September. In the meantime, look for the report by the Auditor General into eHealth, which will be released in September. This report will be helpful in determining the extent of the eHealth problems. However, MPPs have a responsibility to get to the bottom of the problem and prevent the further O'TOOLE see page 14 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, Sept. 6th Worship at 10am A safe holiday weekend to all Faith in Motion Ages 3- Teen Rev. Dorinda Vollmer 905-697-9715 Sunday Sept. 6th. Regular Service Service begins at 11am Sunday School and Nursery Room provided. Wheelchair Accessible Workshop Rotation 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