Presentation by Hon: Gerry Phillips

Jun 11, 2007 at 12:50 PM

Hon: Gerry Phillips made his presentation on various government programs and policies followed by various discussions. A lot of members participated in the discussions.  The highlights of the presentation and discussions are as follows. Success for Students: The government of Ontario is committed to all levels of education. Student success in the early grades is laying the foundation for higher achievements, while excellence in post-secondary education is creating a new generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs that will give Ontario an edge. Better Health: A solid health care system is crucial and more doctors and nurses in our system means all Ontarians will have better access to health care and healthier lives. Strong People, Strong Economy: The government of Ontario is focused on strengthening Ontario by building a stronger economy and making new investments that will increase opportunities in our communities. Wait times for radiation treatment are down more than a week – about 16 per cent. Fought on behalf of new Canadians, negotiating the first ever Canada- Ontario immigration agreement, which quadruples federal spending on language training and settlement services over the next five years, from $819 per immigrant to $3,400 per immigrant. $20 million for 35 bridge training projects to help internationally trained professionals improve language skills, prepare for exams and get work in their field Launched www.OntarioImmigration.ca to help newcomers and potential newcomers obtain information $130 million annually in newcomers services and programs; we are spending twice what the previous government did to help newcomers succeed Doubled the number of training and assessment positions for internationally trained medical graduates: in the past two years, more doctors’ certificates have been issued to international medical graduates than to Ontario graduates. Introduced a proposed acceleration of our plan to eliminate the capital tax In 2004-05, the deficit was reduced to $1.4 billion — down from $5.5 billion New initiative, Move Ontario, announced in 2006 Budget, puts $1.2 billion into transit and road and bridge projects The Minister also discussed the challenges facing the province of Ontario The Government of Ontario are committed to cleaner, renewable sources of energy having procured over 1,300 megawatts of wind, water and biomass electricity generation Set a target to produce 5% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2007 and ten per cent by 2010, putting Ontario at the forefront in North America The legislature recently passed Bill 21 -- The Energy Conservation Responsibility Act - the first of its kind in Canada Invested more in community organizations to help deliver services to various ethnic communities. The provincial grants were delivered to community groups with the idea of improving the cultural infrastructure in the province.