For Immediate Release
March 25, 2008

Yet Another Disappointing Ontario Budget for Norfolk

Queen’s Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett said today’s provincial budget is yet another example of why he feels the riding is being ignored by Premier Dalton McGuinty.

“The issues in Norfolk County today are the same as they were a year ago, or two years ago for that matter,” Barrett said. “But yet there is inaction time and time again. I thought that perhaps today’s budget would include a cash infusion for the County; money to help with Gypsy Moth or Emerald Ash Borer, or the crisis in tobacco country.”

Norfolk County has suffered a tobacco market meltdown resulting in no money for water or sewer to accommodate new development. Barrett said that McGuinty government policy has helped force the meltdown of the tobacco industry; therefore, it is incumbent that reparations be paid to counter the repercussions.

“Norfolk County has so many great things going for it and it truly is one of the best places to live, but right now our economy is at a standstill.” Barrett said. “Downtowns across Norfolk are eroding but yet we are left with no commitment to devise a long-term plan.”

The list of disappointments in today’s budget is long, according to Barrett who said Norfolk County has been writing to, and meeting with, government representatives to inform them of the economic challenges faced by Norfolk.

“Although it is disheartening to see the Premier has not listened, it’s also not surprising considering the fact that tobacco and other farmers have been asking for assistance for years.”

On the business front, Barrett called today’s announcements lacking. He said that businesses clearly need tax cuts. He added that the government must also go beyond job training seminars for the unemployed because of the 194,000 manufacturing jobs that have disappeared in Ontario.

“A competitive tax environment is one of the key factors that will attract the scale and quality of business investment that Ontario requires -- this government refuses to recognize this,” Barrett said. “Jobs will go where taxes are low – tax cuts create jobs.”

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