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10 - Orono Weekly Times Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole What's Ahead for Ontario in 2010? As we enter 2010, we can take some comfort in the fact that this year looks better than 2009. Certainly, there are some signs of improvements on the economic front. However, Ontario and indeed Canada, continue to face many challenges. The economy and job creation must be our top priorities. Other concerns for 2010 include: A deficit that stands at $24.7 billion and could go higher; rising costs of electricity; protecting pensions; agriculture; healthcare; education and job creation. Not to be overlooked is the impact of the $3 billion Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) scheduled to start July 1, 2010. This is the largest single tax change in Ontario's history. This change focuses government revenue on taxing consumption. Yes, there are reductions for small business in the next 3-10 years and in corporate and personal income tax. The change should help export based companies overall. One place where the impact of the HST will be seen most clearly is at the gas pumps. Indeed, the added cost for gasoline is one area where the HST will negate so-called 'tax package' savings. For someone driving a full-sized pickup truck with one fill-up a week the added cost of HST will be about $472 per year. If you drive a full-sized car and fill it up once a week you will pay approximately $290 extra in HST per year. Even after onetime allocations, Ontario families will be left shortchanged. As you may recall, the "health tax" was introduced in 2003. It has seen a typical two income household pay $720 more per year since it was first introduced. Sadly, those dollars did not create sufficient long term care beds or adequately fund hospitals. It did, however, fuel waste and scandal such as eHealth. The following is a list of some of the other taxes and fees that have been introduced since 2003. They include: tire recycling, eye exams, physiotherapy services, electronics recycling, driver's licence renewals, a new land transfer tax and vehicle registration fees in Toronto. The Certified General Accountants of Ontario have prepared a booklet on the Harmonized Sales Tax that may be of interest to individuals and businesses. If you would like a copy of this booklet, please do not hesitate to contact me at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 or by email at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org. You may also visit the CGA web site at w w w. c g a - o n t a r i o . o r g / Publications. Plan Ahead for Safe Winter Driving Ontario's Ministry of Transportation provides a road information web site that gives the latest winter weather conditions. Their tips on winter driving are located at www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/tr aveller/trip . The MTO telephone number for provincial highway information is: 1800-268-4686. Livestock Production Declining in Greenbelt Animal agriculture is disappearing even more rapidly in Ontario's Greenbelt than in the province as a whole, according to University of Guelph researchers. Their study is based on a comparison of agricultural data from the Canadian Census of 2001 and 2006. The results were released December 18. The research was sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The study revealed that the number of dairy farms decreased by 28 per cent in the Greenbelt, compared to 23 per cent province-wide. Greenbelt beef farms declined 24 per cent, compared to 13 per cent across Ontario. Hog farms in the Greenbelt declined by 27 per cent, compared with 11 per cent provincially. The overall number of Greenbelt Farms decreased seven per cent between 2001 and 2006. That's three per cent higher than the provincial decline. One area of growth for greenbelt agriculture was in farms for horses and ponies and in niche markets such as beekeeping, rabbits, alpacas, bison, wild boars and other animals. The decline in overall agriculture production between 2001 and 2006 is cause for concern. Moreover, there is particular concern because the Greenbelt was supposed to preserve farmland and support agriculture. Instead, the decline was generally worse in protected areas of the Greenbelt than in the rest of Ontario. The numbers from the University of Guelph study suggest Greenbelt policies aren't working and it's time to find out why. Cleary, this is one report that should not gather dust on a shelf. It is sounding an alarm and it is up to stakeholders, government and elected representatives to respond. I am organizing a Round Table on agriculture in Durham Riding. For more information, please contact my Constituency Office at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-6612433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org. Enforcement Blitz on Construction Sites Following the tragic deaths of four workers on a Toronto construction site December 24 and severe injuries to a fifth worker, the Ontario Ministry of Labour has announced a blitz on construction sites. Ministry inspectors will check for hazards involving suspended platforms during an enforcement blitz starting in mid-January. The ministry has issued a hazard alert on the fundamental safety procedures for suspended platforms. Inspectors will also begin a heightened enforcement campaign targeting fall hazards in the construction sector. As part of regular inspections, they will look for compliance with fall protection requirements, including appropriate fall-related equipment and adequate worker training. In announcing the inspection, the Ministry of Labour indicated there will be zero tolerance for non-compliance. The review will be completed within 90 days. Some are calling for an inquiry into these tragic deaths. Schools Challenged to Promote Healthy Lifestyle Ontario students are invited to take part in the Healthy Schools Recognition Program and make their schools healthier. Examples of projects that would promote healthier schools would be: a healthier menu for school lunch programs; exercise clubs involved in running or walking; and invitations to health professionals to speak with students about healthy living. The Healthy Schools Recognition Program is now in its fourth year. The deadline for submissions is April 8, 2010. To date, more than 3,000 Ontario schools have pledged to do more than 6,500 healthy activities through the program. ESTATE AUCTION Stapleton Auctions Newtonville Friday, January 15th, 5:00 p.m. Selling the household effects and equipment from a Newtonville hobby farm: JD 277 Riding Mower (AWS); Ariens Snowblower (3yrs); Honda 70 Dirt Bike; 2-Wheel Pulley Cart; Utility Garden Trailer; Murray 6.5 Lawnmower; Tandem Bike; Washer/Dryer; Qty. New Doors; Antique Doors; Garden Cement work; Urns; Decor Items; TV's; Cupboards; Dressers; Chests; Oak Foozball Table; Lionel Thomas Train; Ant. Bannister (former Fosterbrook Nursing Home); Numerous Unique Items and Collectibles; Check Website for updates; Preview after 2:00 p.m. No pets please. Terms: Cash, Approved Cheques; Visa, M/C, Interac 10% Buyers Premium Applies Auctioneers: Frank & Steve Stapleton 905.786.2244, 1.800.263.9886 www.stapletonauctions.com 'estate specialists since 1971' Church Directory Newcastle United Church newcastleunitedchurch@bellnet.ca Nursery Care Provided Wheelchair Accessible 84 Mill St. S., 905-987-4515 Orono United Church Rev. Timothy Dayfoot 111 Church St. N. 905-485-5502 orono.uc@rogers.com Sunday, January 17 10:30 a.m. Worship Sunday, January 17 Second Sunday after Epiphany Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins Service starts - 11:00 a.m. Wheelchair Accessible Sunday School & Nursery Room Available Faith in Motion 5yrs to teen Workshop Rotation The Lord's Prayer How Do I Pray? 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 9:30 a.m. - Worship, Sunday School Youth Group Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer - 2nd & 4th Sunday Coffee and Fellowship to follow Reduce Reuse Recycle ORONO WEEKLY TIMES 905-983-5301 oronotimes@rogers.com