Provincial budget boosts co-operation with municipalities by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 3 | Friday, March 4, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com As the dust settles from last week's unveiling of the 2016 provincial budget, there is no shortage of opinions circulating about what the investments and policy decisions mean for the residents of Ontario -- and Oakville. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton spoke out in favour of the budget this week, stating it demonstrates a clear partnership between the Province and municipalities. "The areas that the Province is investing in will provide great benefits to Oakville," said Burton in a statement released Wednesday (March 2). "Provincial funding initiatives deliver key support to transit initiatives in town, including the recent launch of the new Intelligent Transportation System technology, through the Ontario Gas Tax Program." Town staff said the budget provides additional funding for education, infrastructure, and health care. Staff noted the Province has promised $13 million to construct the new building for École secondaire Gaétan Gervais in Oakville. A section of the QEW in Oakville will also pilot high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes this summer as the first step in the Province's plan to implement HOT lanes. Progressive Conservative (PC) Leader Patrick Brown is not impressed, however, stating the budget will make life harder and more unaffordable for Ontarians through tax hikes to fund planned investments and initiatives. In a press release, Brown stated the budget forecasts an additional $3 billion in tax revenue for 2016 alone -- $1.9 billion in personal income inside today's Editorial Artscene Beaver www.insideHALTON.com Oakville Mayor Rob Burton taxes, $700 million in corporate taxes, and $500 million through cap-and-trade, a program, which charges polluters for greenhouse gas emissions, but which will also increase gas prices and residential natural gas bills. "If the tax increases weren't enough, this budget increases virtually every other government service fee," said Brown. "Fees for driver and vehicle licensing are going up. Camping in provincial parks and fishing and hunting licences just got more expensive. Everything from liquor licences and event permits for charity fundraisers will cost 6 Sports 24 Classified 26 29 Real Estate New Homes Home Hardware City Parent PACE Securities Corp. Starksky Fine Foods West of the City Goeman's *All flyers not necessarily delivered to all homes For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com people more." Burton argued the budget would benefit the business community, noting the Province's Business Growth Initiative continues to roll out. This is a five-year, $400-million strategy to accelerate a shift toward a high-growth innovation economy intended to help businesses scale up. Burton also said the introduction of a capand-trade system would reward innovative companies for transitioning towards a lowcarbon economy. "The Province is to be commended on the good start they've made on fighting climate change," said the mayor. "The cap-and-trade program will encourage households and businesses to invest in green projects. Oakville's greenhouse gas reduction targets are on par with provincial standards. Green project incentives will help both Oakville and Ontario meet greenhouse gas reduction targets and aid in the fight against climate change." Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath takes issue with the budget, stating it fails to protect vital sectors like health care and education. She said it would stretch household budgets and make it harder for seniors to stay healthy. "I hoped the Premier would take this opportunity to listen to people, to focus on their priorities, like protecting and creating good jobs, halting cuts to education and health care, see Sheridan on p.12 Bothered by Plantar Warts? We can help! D.Ch., B.Sc., Podiatric Medicine Registered Chiropodist · Foot and nail care, plantar warts, corns and calluses · Safe and painless light laser treatment for fungal nail · Diabetic footcare and education · Ulcers and wounds · Sports related injuries and foot problems · Custom orthotics for sports and every day · Heel, arch, or foot pain Exceptional Footcare for all Ages! Call us about the treatment and prevention of worrisome warts! located on the north/west corner of Maple Grove Dr. and Cornwall Road 1495 Cornwall Road, Suite 33, Oakville www.werkman.ca T: 905-845-4817 Don't Compromise on Driver Training UpComing CoUrses march 14, 15, 16, 17 April 2, 3, 9, 10 (mArCH BreAK) 4 Days 2 Weekends 9:30 am- 3:30 pm 9:30 am - 3:30 pm register on line and enter discount code BeAVe and receive and immediate $100.00 off any full course. www.drivewiseoakville.com 905-845-7200