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Kevin Flynn, Oakville MPP...

Investing in people
By Kevin Flynn, Guest Columnist
Columns
Mar 29, 2008
On March 25, the McGuinty government presented its 2008 Budget, Growing a Stronger Ontario, which outlines its investments in people.

Ontario's edge -- its competitive advantage -- is its people. Ontario is at its best when its people have the opportunities and tools they need to reach their full potential.

Since taking office in 2003, our government has invested in vital programs and services to help all Ontarians -- publicly-funded education, public health care, modern infrastructure, support for vulnerable citizens and a greener Ontario.

The government has been able to support these priorities because of its disciplined and prudent fiscal management and its investments in skills and knowledge, infrastructure, competitiveness, innovation and key partnerships.

These strategic investments, combined with the efforts of Ontario's hard-working people, have strengthened the economy and created jobs. Since October 2003, the Ontario economy has created 456,800 net new jobs, including 101,100 in 2007.

Although the Ontario economy continues to grow, a number of external factors -- including a slower U.S. economy, higher oil prices and the stronger Canadian dollar -- have caused growth to moderate. These factors have proven to be particularly challenging for Ontario's manufacturing and forestry sectors.

The government cannot completely control the external changes affecting Ontario's economy, but it can seize the economic opportunities they create and help make these changes positive ones for families and businesses. The government's goal is to ensure that Ontarians have good, well-paying jobs that help them to succeed and support their families. That's why this budget proposes:

  • A $1.5 billion, three-year Skills to Jobs Action Plan, including:

  • $355 million for a Second Career Strategy to help 20,000 unemployed workers get long-term training for new and better jobs

  • $75 million to increase apprenticeships by 25 per cent

  • $385 million to provide a $300 grant to every full-time college and university student by 2010 to help them with textbook and technology purchases

  • $500 million to expand and upgrade colleges, universities and training centres

  • $1 billion in 2007-08 for new municipal infrastructure investments, including $400 million for roads and bridges, $497 million for public transit in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Hamilton, and $100 million to rehabilitate social housing units

  • $750 million in business tax relief over four years. Measures include eliminating the Capital Tax, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007, for businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing and resource activities, entitling them to $190 million in rebates.

    The government is committed to improving the quality of life for families and vulnerable citizens. Early initiatives under the government's poverty reduction strategy proposed in the budget include $135 million to provide better dental care for low-income families and $32 million to double funding for the Student Nutrition Program.

    Low and moderate-income senior homeowners would benefit from a proposed new property tax grant of almost $1 billion over five years that would provide up to $500 a year by 2010. The budget also proposes several initiatives to improve student achievement, expand access to health care and fight climate change.

    The McGuinty government is on track to achieve its third consecutive surplus and post six consecutive balanced budgets between 2005-06 and 2010-11. In this budget, the first of our second mandate, the government continues to invest in the things that matter most to Ontarians. Through its investments in people, the government will further strengthen economic growth, create new jobs and continue to enhance the quality of life for all Ontarians.

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