The Ontario Legislature was prorogued (shut down until further notice)
STATEMENT FROM QUEEN’S PARK
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington-Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2012
The Ontario Legislature was prorogued (shut down until further
notice) on October 15th. More than six weeks have now passed.
The following is a Statement Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted
Arnott would have wanted to deliver in the Ontario Legislature this
week, had the House not been prorogued.
Since the House is not sitting, he is sending the statement to the
Premier’s Office, and by email to MPPs.
This fall, my office sent a newsletter to my constituents in Wellington-Halton Hills.
I wrote about the growing provincial debt;
Our successful efforts to shelve the GTA West Corridor Study’s Alternative 4-3;
The challenges faced by the horse racing industry because of the Government’s decision to end the
slots-at-racetracks program;
The need for a moratorium on new windfarm approvals pending the completion of a Health Canada
study;
Progress on the redevelopment of our local hospitals;
Improvements to GO train service in our area;
and other issues.
Also included in the newsletter, or “householder” as they are sometimes called, was a survey.
I have read all of the responses I received from my constituents, and I want to share some of the
comments with Members of the House.
From Glen Williams: “I have voted Liberal for many years, but decisions made by the McGuinty
Government in the past two years regarding the Slots at Racetracks programme, elimination of the
Northlander Rail link, costs related to cancellation of Mississauga/Oakville gas plants, eHealth costs,
Ornge mismanagement cause me to not plan to vote Liberal in the next election.”
From Georgetown: “If a private company was to run finances like this Government, then the CEO would
be fired.”
From Fergus: “Health care for seniors is a big problem. When living on a pension, extra care is very
costly.”
From Elora: “No family can survive with a budget like our provincial Government has. It’s time to clean it
up!”
Another comment from Elora: “The condition of the finances of the province are a disgrace. We are
mortgaging our kids’ future. Stop it! Tell the Government to spend within their means and spend wisely.”
From Puslinch Township: “Ontario seems to have too many problems with Ontario Hydro.”
From the area around Guelph: “Cut spending, shrink Government, account for all monies spent. It
belongs to the taxpayers.”
From the Acton area: “Government is too inefficient and wasteful of tax dollars.”
From Georgetown: “I believe if we don’t address the rising deficit our province will eventually be unable
to support other programs listed above. No matter who you are, financial advisors recommend that
paying down debt is the first thing required to be financially stable. This includes all levels of
Government.”
From Rockwood: “We are always being urged by our provincial Government to live within our means and
practice restraint. They, on the other hand, don’t practice what they preach for the most part. Deficit
spending will ultimately cripple the economy of any country in the not too long term. This places our
communities and people in dire straits.”
From Erin: “Regarding the Slots at Racetracks, I strongly disagree with ending them. This decision
affects so many people and their very livelihoods, not just those that run the slots, but the horse owners,
the farmers, food suppliers, and so many more connected with the industry.”
Sent to me anonymously: “If you are freezing wages, freeze them all. I am annoyed that we got this far
into debt.”
These comments represent the wisdom of the people of Wellington-Halton Hills, and the Government
should start listening.
I want to express my thanks to everyone who responded to my survey, and offered their advice.
Together, we in Wellington-Halton Hills are preparing for tomorrow, and a brighter future for Ontario.
– 30 –
Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott pictured at his Queen’s Park desk, November 29, 2012.