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10 - Orono Weekly Times Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole McGuinty Money Shows True Cost of HST The McGuinty government has been reluctant to predict how much its new HST will cost a typical Ontario family. But taxpayers can get a good idea of the true cost of the HST by looking at the size of the cheques that are being sent to Ontarians in an attempt to calm their fears about the new tax set to begin on July 1. Between now and next June, most families will receive cheques totaling $1,000 and single persons who qualify will receive $300. So, it's safe to say that the HST will cost at least $1,000 per year for an average Ontario family. The total cost of the HST rebate is $4 billion. The provincial government claims Ontario businesses will save money under the HST and that they'll pass those savings on to the consumer. But, in my experience, most Ontarians are very skeptical of this claim. With the HST set to begin on Canada Day, we'll be paying eight per cent more on dozens of goods and services not previously subject to provincial sales tax. Most consumers will see the biggest change when they pull up to the gas pumps and have to pay eight per cent more. The HST also applies to home heating fuel and to electricity, plus a wide variety of products and services that range from fitness to funerals. The $4 billion in HST money stops a few months before the 2011 provincial election. But, the Harmonized Sales Tax will go on forever. This is clearly not a gift that keeps on giving. Government Must Keep Hwy. 407 on Track Unless the McGuinty government takes action, the completion of Highway 407 to Highway 35/115 could be delayed by almost a decade. I am disappointed to read that Jeff Leal, a government MPP has recently said the project won't be completed to Highway 35/115 until 2017. Once again Premier McGuinty is ignoring Eastern Ontario. As you will recall, the Province of Ontario has just approved the Environmental Assessment for this project, which was originally a cause for optimism. However, the government's plans currently call for construction to end in North Oshawa, near Simcoe Street. This missing link in Highway 407 will create added traffic congestion and dangerous driving conditions on the smaller rural concession roads leading to the Highway 407 in Oshawa. It's important to have a seamless plan to complete the whole highway, not just part of it. Delays will also have a negative impact on the businesses, the tourism sector, commuters, and residents throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Almost all stakeholders agree that another east/west road and public transit corridor is badly needed for our economy to keep pace. I am committed to working with municipalities, leaders and citizens in the Durham Region to complete Highway 407 as promised and to ensure the McGuinty government puts this project back on the fast track. The government has promised to complete the highway by 2013, and it should do everything in its power to keep that promise. Church Directory Newcastle United Church 84 Mill St. S., 905-987-4515 Nursery Care Provided Wheelchair Accessible Rev. James Feairs, B.A., M.Div., Minister Orono United Church Rev. Timothy Dayfoot 111 Church St. N. orono.uc@rogers.com newcastleunitedchurch@bellnet.ca 905-485-5502 Sunday, June 27 Last Sunday before church holidays, Strawberry Sundae Sunday, collect for the local food bank. Guest Leader: Ruth Olley Service at 11 a.m. Sunday July 4 SERVICE TIME CHANGES TO 10 A.M. (summer hours) We welcome our new Minister Rev. Ceri Rees and his family. Everyone Welcome! Wheelchair Accessible Nursery Room Available Sunday, June 27 Rev. Canon David R. Saunders, CD Anglican Churches 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 New Website: www.stsavioursorono.ca 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