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Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Orono Weekly Times - 9 Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole OLG Scandal Rocks Ontario Government The McGuinty government has tried to convince Ontarians that the eHealth scandal was the exception to the rule. Unfortunately, it would seem that it is the rule. That's the conclusion many Ontarians are drawing from the latest revelations about spending habits of executives at Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG). It has been more than eight months since the Official Opposition asked for documents detailing the perks and expenses at OLG. These documents - totalling over 4,000 pages - were released August 31. You should know the Opposition Party had requested this information in Freedom of Information (FOI) request. under the FOI (Freedom of Information) Act. The OLG papers revealed more abuse of taxpayers' money. Not only were Ontario taxpayers billed to send OLG executives on all-expensepaid junkets to sunny destinations like California and Florida. We were also picking up the tab for lavish meals, gym memberships, limos, luggage, and even a pen refill and a car wash. Keep in mind this is the same agency that spent over $6 million to re-name the former Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation as Ontario Lottery and Gaming. This is the same agency that was supposed to have been cleaned up following the insider winnings scandal and the same agency that offered exotic foreign vehicles as prizes at a time when the auto sector was in trouble. It would seem that there are no rules for expenses, no rules for hiring consultants and no rules for tendering in the Ontario government. The Official Opposition has called on the government to immediately order the reimbursement of excessive and unreasonable expenses billed by OLG executives. Premier McGuinty has agreed to require individuals to reimburse the provincial treasury for unauthorized expenditures. In addition, the Premier has agreed to place tighter controls on agencies, boards and commissions under its authority. Starting this fall, employees at Ontario's largest agencies, boards and commissions will be required to have their expenses reviewed by Ontario's Integrity Commissioner. This is not unlike the old story of "closing the barn door after the horse has run away." So far, the Premier has steadfastly refused to dismiss the cabinet ministers responsible for agencies with questionable records for spending and accountability. In my view, we're still seeing just the tip of the iceberg. Expect more revelations in the weeks ahead. Workshop Helps Groups Seeking Trillium Money The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario that provides funding to charities and not-for-profit organizations. To find out how your organization may benefit from a Trillium grant, you are invited to attend a workshop Tuesday, September 22, at the Scugog Community Centre in Port Perry. The workshop runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Scugog Community Centre is at 1655 Reach St. Although information sessions are free, pre-registration is required. Please call (705) 743-8310 or send an e-mail to csmith@trilliumfoundation.or g for registration. You can learn more about the work of the Ontario Trillium Foundation at www.trilliumfoundation.org. Nominations for Agriculture Awards Welcome Each year, up to 55 regional innovators in agriculture are recognized with $5,000 provincial awards. Previous Durham Region recipients include Durham Farm Fresh (2008); Durham Region Agriculture Education Committee (2007) and the Durham Region Dairy Producers Committee (2006). There is also one Minister's Award, worth up to $50,000, and the Premier's Award, which is valued at a maximum of $100,000. These awards recognize innovations that add value to existing products, create jobs, and drive economic growth. The deadline for 2009 nominations is November 16. The guidebook and application are available online at www.ontario.ca/agrifoodinnovation. An individual may nominate their own farm, organization or company. Third-party nominations are also welcome. Province Seeks Input on Hwy. 407 Extension The Environmental Assessment Report for the eastward extension of Highway 407 is available for review by agencies and members of the public from August 28 to October 16, 2009. The 50-kilometre extension is from Brock Rd. to Hwy. 35/115., with two north/south connecting links (One in Clarington and one near the Whitby/Ajax border.) The report is available at local libraries, the municipal offices of Scugog and Clarington and also the Durham Region headquarters. Your can read the report online at www.407eastea.com. I understand the com- plete approvals process could take until March or April of 2010. Church Directory Newcastle United Church Email: newcastleunitedchurch@bellnet.ca Nursery Care Provided Wheelchair accessible Worship, Faith in Motion (ages 5-teen) Workshop Rotation: "Heroes!", Corn & Hot Dog Lunch after service Welcome Future Friends 10:30 a.m. Worship 84 Mill St. S., 905-987-4515 Orono United Church 111 Church St. N. 905-485-5502 orono.uc@rogers.com Reverend Dorinda Vollmer 905-697-9715 15th Sunday after Pentecost Regular Service - 11 a.m. Wheelchair Accessible Nursery Room Available Sunday Sept. 13th Sunday Sept. 13th Sunday School (ARK) starts up Sept. 20th and a barbecue will follow the service Rev. Canon David R. Saunders, CD Anglican Churches St. George's - Newcastle 250 Mill St. S. · 905-987-2019 8 a.m. - Commumion 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 Summer Worship at St. Georges Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer - 2nd & 4th Sunday Coffee and Fellowship to follow