Toby Barrett, M.P.P.

MCGUINTY OUT OF TOUCH: BARRETT
Inaction on economic slowdown and Caledonia underlined at pre-budget hearings

Sault Ste. Marie – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says Finance Committee pre-budget hearings have further highlighted the government’s head-in-the-sand approach to essential issues impacting people locally and across the province.

“Over the past two days we have seen presentations that paint a bleak picture for the future of this province,” charged Barrett. “Dalton McGuinty continues to ignore economic indicators and the challenges in Caledonia, while Ontario families and the people of Haldimand bear the brunt of his inaction.”

Meantime, the Caledonia Citizens Alliance presentation at pre-budget hearings yesterday stressed the lack of action on a series of issues they presented to the Finance Committee a year ago, including:

Assistance for businesses – “in the past year over 15 businesses have either closed, downsized, have been placed up for sale or relocated”*
Real Estate values – “houses that have been on the market for over a year have dropped their prices an average of 5-10 per cent”*
Assistance for the municipality to help with infrastructure costs related to the occupation- “Caledonia has carried the brunt of that suffering, and needs…attention, and needs it immediately”*
A resolution to the “Duty to Consult” issue that has paralyzed development in Haldimand – “the province must clarify the role of the HDI (Haudonsanee Development Institute), and then back those words with actions…”

“This is yet another wake-up call for a McGuinty Government that has been asleep at the wheel while Caledonia and our provincial economy are allowed to suffocate,” Barrett concluded. “It’s time this government take off the blinders and get a good look at the facts that are right before their eyes, before it’s too late.”

*all quotes as per Caledonia Citizens’ Alliance presentation to Province of Ontario Pre-budget consultations – Monday January 21, 2008