FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2013
QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says the empty words and feel-good statements of the Wynne Throne Speech do little to fix a continued made-in-Ontario jobs and debt crisis.
“It’s more of the same overspending, overpromising, government direction that has run this province into a dead end,” Barrett said. “It’s been 16 months since the last election, and the Liberals have failed to show even a glimmer of recognition regarding the severity of the problems facing our province.”
Barrett added that as Opposition Critic to the Ministry of Community and Social Services, he challenges the government to transform social welfare.
“It’s been three years since my Private Members Bill passed second reading debate with all-party support to give Ontario Disability recipients an opportunity to keep more of what they earn.” Barrett pointed out. “I made numerous attempts to push that legislation through the committee stage, but government refused hearings. Since then the Official Opposition has put forth a white paper Welfare to Work making similar recommendations. We now finally get a passing reference acknowledgement in the Throne Speech.
“Where have they been the last three years?” questioned Barrett.
Barrett noted as well there was no mention in the Throne Speech of consolidating Ontario Works and ODSP at the local level as proposed by Don Drummond, the Lankin/Sheikh report, and Welfare to Work to further enhance employment opportunities for those on assistance.
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For more information contact
Toby Barrett 519-428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629