So your new MPP sat and listened respectfully to the Throne Speech and emerged from the Chamber, like many others, saying ?exactly what was that??
The McGuinty Government even stated in the Speech that it was a broad brushstroke approach to how they govern Ontario in the next 4 years. Folks, we?re in trouble. When strategy means throwing darts at a board and being satisfied to just have the dart stick anywhere, we?re in trouble. But lest I fall into their trap of citing generalities and not specifics, let me explain.
The Liberals don?t appear to ?get? the fact that the economy is far and away of primary concern to all Ontarians. When the province is flagging, individual jobs are being lost and families are suffering. Since 2005, over 153,000 high paying manufacturing jobs have disappeared but (according to the Liberals) that?s okay because they have created over 400,000 jobs elsewhere. First, that?s not a net number; second, it doesn?t account for seasonality or part time employment; third, it doesn?t say that most of these jobs are low paying service jobs. Is it any wonder there?s a growing poverty problem specifically in the GTA?
People don?t think about the economy in general terms until it affects them directly. But imagine how this could or even will affect you! Our economic growth in Ontario has fallen behind that of our sister provinces?all of them. RBC and CIBC say we?ll rank last this year with little improvement in 2008. All five major banks say they?ve slashed growth projections dramatically for next year and for the first time in 30 years, Ontario?s unemployment rate has exceeded the national average. These are storm clouds fast approaching Ontario and we need to take action. Can you imagine a major think tank suggesting that our Ontario could soon move into the ranks of the ?have not? provinces? But ?tax and spend? remains the approach.
There are other aspects of the Throne Speech we have to look at. With the possibility that the murder rate in Toronto could again be at record proportions, the McGuinty way is to kick it upstairs to Ottawa to supply another 1000 police. With cities crying out for assistance, our Premier leaves it to Ottawa to send 1% of the GST to cities. With diabetes at record levels, they say they?ll put forward a diabetes strategy and all they offer is a ban on trans fats in schools. As useful as that may be, it?s just one aspect of a strategy?not a strategy in itself. We can call it the ?pit bull? approach to diabetes.
The bottom line is that the Throne Speech was a nebulous ?feel good? document that seems to suggest we should all take a cue from the song ?Don?t Worry, Be Happy?. Our Party will be pressing the Government to be specific about our economy and our health as well as many other issues and when we criticize, as an Opposition should, we?ll have alternatives and positive suggestions for Ontario.
As for Thornhill Riding business, there?s robust action by our LHIN (Local Health Integration Network) as it studies a potential future hospital for Vaughan. I attended a public meeting recently where anyone could express a view on what it should be. Another will be held in January and I urge you to come and express yourself. Between now and then, I?ll be meeting with various officials all of whom are involved and have a stake in doing what is right for the health of Thornhill residents.