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Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Orono Weekly Times - 9 Local pharmacist wins industry award Orono pharmacist Tino Montopoli, of Stutt's Pharmacy, received the Ontario Phamacists' Association 2009 Wyeth Apothecary Award during the association's annual conference on Saturday, September 12. The award is presented to a pharmacist who has completed speciality eduction or training and, as a result, has been able to expand their professional practice. Montopoli, whose specialty is in the area of diabetes education, is only the second recipient of this award. The Ontario Pharmacists' Association is the professional association that represents more than 11,000 pharmacists across the province, and works to inspire excellence in the profession and practice of pharmacy. Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole Ontario Must Focus on Accountability, Taxes, Jobs Accountability, raising the provincial sales tax, and the Ontario economy are the three topics most likely to dominate the fall and winter session of the Ontario Legislature. Because of new revelations on a lack of accountability in government agencies, we can expect the scandals at eHealth, and Ontario Lottery and Gaming to lead off Question Period and to be a lightning rod for many debates. The McGuinty government has refused calls from the Official Opposition for an all-party committee that could ask the tough questions on behalf of the people of Ontario who provided the tax dollars in the first place. The responsibility for being accountable to the public does not rest with the auditor general, the integrity commissioner, the Ontario Ombudsman, the Official Opposition or the media. Accountability must start at the top, with the premier and his cabinet. Responsible spending must also be accompanied by fair and competitive taxation. That's where the HST debate begins. It's not about reducing red tape for businesses in Ontario, the HST debate is about an increase in taxes of $2.5 billion for middle class families in the grip of a recession. Can Ontarians afford to increase taxes on fuel oil, postage stamps, dry cleaning, legal services, and the long list of services and products not currently covered by PST? The vast majority of citizens in Ontario would agree this is a tax we can't afford. The third issue is jobs for Ontario and recovery from the global recession. Our recovery is closely linked to taxes and spending because without competitive tax rates, and accountability in spending, As Opposition Leader Tim Hudak pointed out in a speech last week to The Economic Club of Canada: "Rather than focusing on politically expedient spending that does not create real lasting jobs or strengthen our economic fundamentals, we could be - and should be - taking a very different path." One of the Bills expected to be debated in the House this week includes cap and trade legislation also known as Bill 185, Environmental Protection Amendment Act (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading), 2009. Other bills up for debate include legislation on school board governance (Bill 177) and Labour Mobility (Bill 175). As always, your comments on provincial issues are appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org Ontario Households to Get Update on Flu Fight This fall, Ontario's public health officials expect there will be two types of flu viruses circulating. These include the regular seasonal flu viruses and the H1N1 flu virus. Two flu vaccines are being developed against both viruses. The vaccines will be made available this Fall. To ensure all Ontarians are informed about this flu season, every home in Ontario will be receiving information in the mail regarding the vaccination programs, who to contact for more information, as well as tips on how to prevent the flu and stay healthy. The seasonal flu shot is expected to be available in October. Ontario is expected to have an H1N1 vaccine in November. Generally, people will require one seasonal flu shot and may require two H1N1 shots. Thankfully, it would appear that the worst fears about the severity of H1N1 flu may not materialize. However, it is still important to take precautions against both the new H1N1 variety and the regular seasonal risks associated with the flu. For more details on why 2009 has a different flu season, and for information on how to protect yourself and your family, visit www.ontario.ca/flu . New Pedestrian Bridge for Pickering Transit Hub Federal and provincial stimulus money will be used to build a new, fully enclosed pedestrian bridge across Highway 401 to link the Pickering GO station with a new transit hub. The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $5 million in the project. This is one of nearly 1,200 projects across the province that will break ground thanks to $1.84 billion in joint federal and provincial funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. MPP Proposes Plan to Fight Illegal Tobacco Sales At almost 50 per cent of all tobacco sold, Ontario has the highest percentage of illegal tobacco of almost anywhere in the world. While the Ontario government has spent over $13 million over three years on Smoke-Free Ontario and $7 million on smoking cessation programs, there are concerns that the number of smokers is continuing to increase. This is due, in part, to the availability of cheap cigarettes sold illegally and without the usual taxes. Tax cuts at the provincial and federal levels along with education and enforcement are the recipe for success in the fight against illegal tobacco, according to HaldimandNorfolk MPP Toby Barrett. When the Legislature resumes, he will introduce legislation that would see tobacco taxes cut by onethird, from 12.35 cents per cigarette to 8.23 cents. ORONO WEEKLY TIMES 905-983-5301 oronotimes@rogers.com Are you in an abusive relationship? Call Bethesda House 905-623-6050 or 1-800-338-3397 Church Directory Newcastle United Church Email: newcastleunitedchurch@bellnet.ca Nursery Care Provided Wheelchair accessible Worship, Faith in Motion (ages 5-teen) Workshop Rotation: "Heroes!" 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 Sunday Sept. 20th Sunday Sept. 20th SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS A barbecue follows the service. All Welcome Regular Service - 11 a.m. Wheelchair Accessible Nursery Room Available 905-697-9715 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