(Queen’s Park) – Elizabeth Witmer, Progressive Conservative MPP for Kitchener-Waterloo, welcomes the decision to abolish the highly controversial “eco-fees.”

 “The McGuinty government’s decision to eliminate the eco-fees is a testament, not only to the extent of the public’s displeasure, but also to the complete incompetence of this government,” said Witmer.

 In the wake of a large scale public outcry and successful opposition on the part of the Progressive Conservative Party, the McGuinty Liberals have once again been forced to retract and disavow an unpopular government policy.

 Following a disastrous and chaotic attempt at imposing secret eco-fees on over 9000 household products, the McGuinty government had no choice but to acknowledge the widespread public anger with its failure to properly communicate and implement a highly controversial program.

 This is the third time in less than three months the governing Liberals have had to retreat from unpopular policies due to extensive public and political opposition.

 “The Liberal government’s complete ineptitude and alarming secrecy in introducing these eco-taxes has been opposed from the outset by PC Leader, Tim Hudak, and the PC caucus,” said Witmer.

 “This government has shown that it is all too often determined to hastily implement an ill-conceived policy without proper consultation to consider the impact it has on the lives of millions of Ontarians,” added Witmer.

The Political Award of Merit was presented to Mrs. Witmer in a ceremony at Queen’s Park on April 14, 2010.

“We believe it is important to publicly recognize elected officials who make significant personal and professional sacrifices to enhance opportunities for Ontarians to lead more productive lives,” said Dr. Dan Andreae of SWDC.

Dr. Andreae continued, “This esteemed award brings awareness to these important contributions.”

Mrs. Witmer has been a longstanding advocate on behalf of Ontario’s Social Workers for many years. Highlights of Mrs. Witmer’s efforts include:

• Supporting the successful quest for statutory regulation providing social workers with the deserved recognition as psychotherapy practitioners.
• Successfully pushing for the use of the title “Doctor” by social workers who have attained a doctoral degree in the field and provide mental health counselling to clients.

Witmer Says Liberal Out-of-Control Spending to Double the Debt

(Queen’s Park) The provincial budget confirms that Premier Dalton McGuinty’s out-of-control spending will double Ontario’s debt by 2013.

“The McGuinty government has saddled each Ontario family with almost $30,000 in NEW debt,” says Kitchener-Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer.

Meanwhile, Ontario’s deficit stands at $21.3 billion. This is the largest in Ontario’s history, and is 64 per cent higher than Premier McGuinty’s projections in the 2009 budget.

“Although they talk about restraining spending, overall government spending is going up,” says Witmer. “They are putting off the tough decisions until after the next election.”

Witmer also expresses disappointment that the budget failed to provide a plan to enable Ontario to become the best place to invest, start a business or create jobs.

“In Kitchener-Waterloo our unemployment rate remains high at 10.1 per cent and people of all ages continue to ask me if I am aware of any job opportunities,” states Witmer.

To create jobs and ensure an economic recovery, Tim Hudak, Leader of PC Caucus, has released 10 ideas for tax relief, red tape reduction and controlled spending. Tim Hudak’s 10 ideas for 2010 can be viewed at www.10for2010.ca

“Without a plan in this budget to put people back to work or control spending, our Caucus will continue to push the government to adopt our ideas,” states Witmer.

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For more information contact:

Elizabeth Witmer, MPP

(416) 325-1306

She specifically referred to the case of Louise Millar, a 69-year-old woman from Kitchener-Waterloo, who suffered an aneurysm. Although Millar has been ready to be released from the hospital, her family was told after waiting for 2 months for a long-term care bed, that it well could be 3 to 4 months more, with no guarantee of a bed even that the time. Regretfully, Millar’s situation is common in Ontario, as 26,000 other people are also waiting for a long-term care bed.

Although the McGuinty government’s Aging at Home Strategy (a 4 year, $1.1 billion program) is into its 3^rd year, long-term care waiting lists have never been longer. While 12,000 people were waiting for a bed in 2005, currently, 26,000 Ontarians are waiting for a long-term care bed. Additionally, 17.2 percent of hospital beds in Ontario are occupied by alternate level of care patients. These ALC patients are waiting for care in LTC homes or other community support services. Unfortunately, hospitals cannot provide the home-like environment and privacy that patients like Millar deserve.

“Seven years of Liberal inaction has seriously restricted Ontario’s ability to meet the demands of our aging population,” said Witmer. “It’s obvious that the government’s Aging at Home Strategy is not working for them. The McGuinty government must take decisive action to address the needs of our growing senior population in order that they can live with dignity and respect. They must produce a comprehensive plan with benchmarks to reduce the LTC waiting lists of more than 26,000 people and provide the needed community care.”

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For more information contact:

Elizabeth Witmer, MPP

(416) 325-1306

Today, Elizabeth Witmer, PC Education Critic and former Minister of Education, introduced a Resolution calling on the Ontario Government to:

• Officially recognize the 3rd week of each November as “Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week,” in Ontario.

• Have every Safe School Team in the province direct the development of activities for their school during “Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week.”

“All Members clearly demonstrated today that they want to make sure that Ontario schools are safe, caring and inclusive places for our students to learn,” said Witmer. Now that the Legislature has voted to support my Resolution, I am eager to work with the Minister of Education to ensure that all schools in Ontario recognize “Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week” this November.”

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For more information contact:
Elizabeth Witmer, MPP
(416) 325-1306

• Officially recognize the 3rd week of each November as “Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week,” in Ontario.

• Have every Safe School Team in the province direct the development of activities for their school during “Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week.”

Bullying, whether physical, verbal, social or “cyberbullying” remains a serious and frequent occurrence in schools. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, one in three students experiences bullying at school, and almost one in three students have bullied someone else. Moreover, between 2003 and 2007, the incidences of bullying have remained about the same.

“Based on these alarmingly high statistics on bullying, the first hand concerns and reports brought to my attention and the far-reaching consequences of this behaviour, a concerted effort must be made to stop bullying. This resolution is intended to do so,” said Witmer.

Research shows that those who are bullied may suffer anxiety, depression, substance abuse, low-self esteem and academic failure. Research also shows that those who bully learn to use aggression as a form of power and may become abusive adults or involved in violent crime.

“It is my belief that by raising awareness of bullying and embarking on efforts to prevent it, students will understand there is support for those who are bullied, that there are consequences for bullying and that bullying is never acceptable,” said Witmer.

Witmer’s Resolution is supported by teachers, trustees, parents and safe school activists.

QUOTES

“ETFO is pleased to lend support to (Witmer’s) proposal to have Ontario formally recognize Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week in an effort to focus greater attention on effective prevention strategies at the school level. Activities related to an annual focus on bullying awareness would naturally fit with the role of new Safe School Teams the Ministry of Education is requiring in each school.”
– Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) President, Sam Hammond

“Ontario Catholic school boards strive to create safe, inclusive and caring learning environments for all students. The idea of Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week is a tangible activity to make this ideal a reality in all our school communities.”
– Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) President, Paula Peroni

“Teachers in Ontario’s publicly funded Catholic schools know how important it is for our students to feel safe and secure. We continue to work with many educational partners to increase the public’s awareness of the harm caused by bullying. Formally recognizing the third week of November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week will help to raise public awareness of this important issue.”
– Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) President, James Ryan.

“OSSTF/FEESO and the 60,000 educational workers we represent strongly endorse positive measures aimed at reducing the incidents of bullying. Bullying behaviour must be addressed immediately and effectively. Failure to do so comes at a huge cost to society as those students who engage in bullying behaviour are more likely to grow into dominating, aggressive and violent adults. The prevention of bullying is key to ensuring that all students feel safe at school. The more trained adults working in the school setting, the more immediate is the assistance and support that can be provided to all students.”
– Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) President, Kenneth Coran.

“The devastating consequences of bullying and violence in Ontario’s schools are becoming increasingly clear, and will continue to negatively impact our society, and the very communities we all live in. Prevention and awareness is one of the key elements in slowing down the progression of pain that many Ontario families are living with. These families need a voice, and they need to know that the community they live in supports them. The York Region Anti-Bullying Coalition supports Mrs. Witmer’s resolution to bring forward a “Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week” in the Province that we call our home. What better way than to bring awareness of this issue to the forefront.”
– York Region Anti-Bullying Coalition, Karen Sebben

“As both a victim of bullying and an advocate for those who aren’t always heard, I know how harsh the effects of bullying can be. With Resolutions like Mrs. Witmer’s, we can reduce the rates of bullying and ensure the safety of students. It’s crucial now more than ever to take action.”
– Bullying Canada.ca, Katie Neu

“As someone whose family has lived through this nightmare, I whole heartedly support Mrs. Witmer’s Resolution to make the third week of November Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week.”
– benchboy productions, Sunnie McFadden-Curtis

“Bluewater Citizens for Education support all initiatives that would ensure schools are places where children are safe to learn. Awareness is a first step toward ensuring this vision for safe schools. Children cannot learn if they do not feel safe. Therefore, Bluewater Citizens for Education supports Witmer’s resolution.”
– Bluewater Citizens for Education, Lesa McDougall

“We support Mrs. Witmer in her efforts to bring this issue to the forefront as a major concern for our communities. We appreciate her efforts to amplify the voice of parents, seek sensible solutions, and to bring awareness to the extent of this issue and its impact on the victim and their family.”
– London Anti-Bullying Coalition, Corina Morrison

FACTS

• According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH):

o Roughly 315,000 students (Grades 7 – 12) reported being bullied in 2007.

o Between 2003 – 2007, the incidences of bullying that took place in schools remained about the same (Grades 7 – 12).

o In 2007, roughly 90,000 students (Grades 7 – 12) reported being bullied on a daily basis.

o A third of students experience bullying at school, and almost a third of students have bullied someone else.

o A 2008 study by CAMH found that bullying and harassment can lead to depression, substance abuse, anxiety and academic failure.

• According to the Ministry of Education:

o Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation.

o Research indicates that a clearly articulated school-wide bullying prevention policy is the foundation of effective bullying prevention programming.

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For more information contact:
Elizabeth Witmer, MPP
(416) 325-1306

Kitchener-Waterloo MPP, Elizabeth Witmer, invites local small businesses to visit www.tiredofredtape.ca, the latest component of the Ontario PC Small Business Jobs Plan.  This website provides a forum for people to share their experiences and frustrations with the McGuinty government’s excessive red tape.

The Ontario PC Caucus’ Small Business Jobs Plan calls on the McGuinty government to immediately take steps to reduce the red tape and regulatory burden strangling Ontario’s employers.

QUOTES

“If you have run into the wall of Dalton McGuinty’s red tape, we want to hear about it. Please go to www.tiredofredtape.ca and share your experiences with us. You can count on a Tim Hudak PC government to reduce red tape.”

– Kitchener-Waterloo MPP, Elizabeth Witmer

“Dalton McGuinty’s high taxes and excessive red tape are the two largest problems facing Ontario’s small businesses. The CFIB has once again made a compelling case about the devastating consequences of red tape for small businesses.  Red tape costs money and kills jobs.”

– Kitchener-Waterloo MPP, Elizabeth Witmer

QUICK FACTS

As part of the first ever ‘Red Tape Awareness Week’ the Canadian Federation of Independent Business released a comprehensive report entitled “Prosperity Restricted by Red Tape.” Some of the findings from this report include:

• Only Manitoba beat Ontario on a measure of whether or not CFIB members felt red tape had increased in their province over the previous 3 years
• Ontario is responsible for 36% of Canada’s regulatory costs ($10.9 MM out of $30.5 MM)
• The CFIB’s “Regulatory Accountability Progress Report” gives 3 thumbs down for Ontario for no publicly reported measure for red tape, no current measurement of red tape, and no permanent (legislated) commitment to report on red tape.

The PC Caucus Small Business Jobs Plan would encourage jobs now by:

• Re-instating a Red Tape Commission that would eliminate many unnecessary regulations that punish small businesses. 
• Implementing a moratorium on new regulations that will impact small businesses until the Red Tape Commission has reduced the overall regulatory burden.

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For more information contact:

Elizabeth Witmer, MPP

(416) 325-1306

Despite clear signs that the Second Career retraining program would have a ripple effect on college enrolments throughout Ontario, the McGuinty Government failed to plan for the surge in college applications that would result.  Due to a spike in the number of laid-off workers seeking retraining through this program, some Ontario colleges are now seeing the number of applications increase by as much as 50%.

As a result of this surge of new applications, Ontario high school students looking to pursue post-secondary education are at risk of being frozen out of their local college altogether.  This situation could have been easily predicted and prevented.   At the same time, Dalton McGuinty’s poor economic management has resulted in a devastated job market for students with a youth unemployment rate of 18.3%. 

QUOTES:

“Dalton McGuinty’s job-killing economic policies have created a situation where too many Ontario high school students can neither find a job nor get an education.”

– Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak

“The McGuinty Liberals should have seen this coming.  Instead laid-off workers and Ontario students are left fighting each other over opportunities to improve their education, training and job prospects.  Second careers are important, but first careers matter too.”

– Ontario PC MPP Elizabeth Witmer

QUICK FACTS

• The Equal Consideration Date application deadline for fall 2010 Ontario College programs is February 1, 2010.
• Over the past year Dalton McGuinty has promised to create 1,064,000 new jobs in his Budget, Green Energy Act and HST tax grab.  In reality he has presided over the net loss of 141,600 jobs during that same time period.
• Statistics Canada’s December jobs report confirms that Ontario’s unemployment rate is 9.3%, well above Canada’s national average of 8.5%.  In Kitchener the unemployment rate is even higher still at 9.6%.  Ontario’s youth unemployment rate is 18.3%, up from 18% last month.

CONTACT:

Greg Medulun

416-325-1330

greg.medulun@pc.ola.org  

Witmer’s question was on behalf of the thousands of unemployed men and women in Waterloo Region and residents of Ontario whose lives have been shattered as a result of the McGuinty government’s mismanagement of the Second Career Program.

Two weeks ago, the McGuinty government changed the application rules for the Second Career Program. Consequently, people who qualified under the old rules and were waiting patiently for their turn, have become ineligible for training support.

According to John Tibbits, President of Conestoga College, “there’s a fundamental economic transformation going on.” Within the last year, Ontario has seen a net loss of 122,700 jobs. 28,000 local residents are looking for work in the Waterloo Region. Ontario’s unemployment rate, which is at 9.3%, is significantly higher than the national average at 8.5%. Tibbits suggests that workers are “going to need to retrain.”

“Many people have contacted me to express their shock and devastation at the last minute cancellation of their retraining plans after going through hoops to quality for the last eight months,” said Witmer. “One man said the government had made a promise and now has broken it. As a result he has hit rock bottom.”

“I urge the Premier to stop short-changing the needs of adults who desperately need retraining to find a job and immediately reinstate the Second Career applications, which were submitted under the original rules,” said Witmer.

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For more information contact:

Elizabeth Witmer, MPP

(416) 325-1306

The Ontario PC Caucus is calling on Dalton McGuinty to hold province-wide public hearings on the HST, including the Waterloo Region. Until Dalton McGuinty agrees to open province-wide hearings on this huge tax, the Ontario PC Caucus will use every procedural tool and tactic at its disposal to delay the passage of the HST.

Today in the Legislature, the Ontario PC Caucus used “points of privilege” and every legislative tactic possible, in order to urge the Premier to hold province-wide hearings on the HST.

Witmer encourages all Waterloo Region residents to speak up and join the fight against the HST by signing a petition to stop this huge tax increase. For a full list of items that will be taxed under the HST and to sign the petition please visit www.daltonsalestax.com.

QUOTES

“Despite the fact that a poll released this week by Holinshed Research Group indicated that 76% of Ontarians are opposed to the HST, Dalton McGuinty refuses to hold public hearings to allow them to express their opinions.”

– Kitchener-Waterloo MPP, Elizabeth Witmer

“If Dalton McGuinty actually believes that this tax is in the best interest of Ontario families and seniors, then he would hold open public hearings throughout the province, including the Waterloo Region.”

– Kitchener-Waterloo MPP, Elizabeth Witmer

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For more information contact:

Elizabeth Witmer, MPP

(416) 325-1306