Tag Archives: Premier Kathleen Wynne

Culture

Ontario’s Fertility Program Marks One Year Anniversary

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Ontario is helping thousands of people fulfill their dreams of starting or growing a family with the Ontario Fertility Program.

Today, Premier Kathleen Wynne celebrated the success of the Ontario Fertility Program alongside families who have participated in the program over the past year. Since the government launched the program in December 2015, Ontario has provided more than 6,500 people with funding for in vitro fertilization and related services.

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is a medical procedure in which an egg is retrieved, fertilized by sperm outside the body, and the resulting embryo is then implanted in the uterus. One cycle of IVF can cost more than $10,000 if paid for privately, in addition to the cost of drugs, making it unaffordable for many of the roughly one in six Ontario couples experiencing infertility. The Ontario Fertility Program helps to reduce the cost of IVF, making it more affordable for people with all forms of infertility, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation or family status.

kathleen wynne ymca kids

Improving affordability and access to reproductive health care is part of the government’s plan to build a better Ontario through its Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care.

 

QUOTES

” Infertility can be an emotionally and financially draining experience. With this program, we are helping ease the financial burden for thousands of people and making it easier for people to start or grow a family. I look forward to seeing more happy and healthy families as the program continues.” – Kathleen Wynne Premier of Ontario

dr eric hoskins” Nearly one in six Ontario couples is affected by infertility, and we are pleased to see so many people embracing the Ontario Fertility Program in its first year. Children are our future and by creating a more reasonable and accessible fertility program, Ontario is supporting family building for those who need the assistance of IVF.” – Dr. Eric Hoskins Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

michael cocteau” I am proud Ontario is supporting families and has taken such positive steps towards strengthening our adoption system, and we remain committed to keeping the process as smooth and successful as possible. All children and youth in Ontario deserve supportive, loving homes, and I’m thrilled to say that many families are one step closer to making this a reality.” – Michael Coteau Minister of Children and Youth Services

” Ontario has shown great leadership with the Ontario Fertility Program and is a successful model for other Canadian provinces when it comes to providing equitable access to IVF. We congratulate all the families who have had a positive experience with the program to date — from those who have welcomed a new addition to their family to those who have gained a renewed sense of hope for the future.” – Danielle Xavier President of the IVF advocacy group, Conceivable Dreams

 

QUICK FACTS

  • In its first year, the Ontario Fertility Program has provided almost 4,800 patients with funded egg retrieval, embryology and fresh embryo transfer services, and over 1,700 IVF patients with funded frozen embryo transfer services.
  • There are 18 clinics in Ontario where patients can receive a funded IVF cycle.
  • To further support people looking to start or grow a family, the government is also strengthening the adoption system.
  • Helping people conceive and adopt children builds on a number of recent steps Ontario has taken to better support growing families, including increasing the number of newborn screenings, increasing the number of birth options and creating two out of hospital birthing centres, funding well-baby visits through primary care, opening the province’s first ever breast milk bank and recognizing the legal status of all parents, whether they are LGBTQ2+ or straight, and whether their children were conceived with or without assistance.

 

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 L’Ontario aide les gens à fonder ou à agrandir leur famille

Le Programme de procréation assistée est offert depuis un an

10 janvier 2017 09h30

 

L’Ontario aide des milliers de personnes à réaliser leur rêve de fonder ou d’agrandir leur famille grâce à son Programme de procréation assistée.

La première ministre Kathleen Wynne a souligné aujourd’hui le succès du Programme de procréation assistée de l’Ontario, en compagnie de familles qui ont participé au programme au cours de l’année écoulée. Depuis que le gouvernement a institué le programme en décembre 2015, l’Ontario a fourni du soutien financier à plus de 6 500 personnes pour leur permettre d’accéder à la fécondation in vitro (FIV) et aux services connexes.

La FIV est un acte médical qui consiste à prélever un ovule et à le féconder à l’aide de sperme en dehors du corps de la patiente. L’embryon qui en résulte est ensuite transplanté dans son utérus. Lorsqu’il est payé par des particuliers, un cycle de FIV peut coûter jusqu’à 10 000 $, en plus du coût des médicaments, ce qui est trop onéreux pour de nombreux couples ontariens qui ont un problème de fertilité. On évalue qu’environ un couple sur six éprouve un tel problème. Le Programme de procréation assistée de l’Ontario aide à réduire le coût de la FIV et à rendre ce traitement plus abordable pour les personnes ayant une forme ou l’autre d’infertilité, sans égard à leur sexe, à leur orientation sexuelle ou à leur situation familiale.

Rendre les soins de santé reproductive plus abordables et plus accessibles, cela fait partie des objectifs du gouvernement visant à bâtir un meilleur Ontario grâce à son Plan d’action en matière de soins de santé, qui donne la priorité aux patients.

 

CITATIONS

« L’infertilité peut causer des difficultés émotionnelles et financières. Grâce à ce programme, nous contribuons à alléger le fardeau financier de milliers de personnes et les aidons à fonder ou à agrandir leur famille. Nous anticipons le plaisir de voir de plus en plus de familles heureuses et en bonne santé au fur et à mesure que se poursuit le déploiement du programme.» – Kathleen Wynne première ministre de l’Ontario

« En Ontario, près d’un couple sur six éprouve un problème de fertilité, et nous sommes enchantés de constater qu’un si grand nombre de gens aient fait appel au Programme de procréation assistée de l’Ontario dès sa première année. Les enfants sont notre avenir et en instaurant un programme de fertilité plus raisonnable et plus accessible, l’Ontario aide les personnes qui ont besoin de la FIV pour agrandir leur famille.» – Dr Eric Hoskins ministre de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée

« Je suis fier que l’Ontario soutienne les familles et que nous prenions des mesures propices, par exemple renforcer notre système d’adoption. Nous restons déterminés à ce que le processus demeure aussi souple et fructueux que possible. Tous les enfants et les jeunes de l’Ontario méritent de vivre dans un foyer où ils sont bien traités et aimés, et je suis ravi de pouvoir dire que de nombreuses familles sont encore plus proches de réaliser leur objectif à cet égard.» – Michael Coteau ministre des Services à l’enfance et à la jeunesse

« L’Ontario a joué un rôle d’avant-garde avec son Programme de procréation assistée, qui est devenu un exemple de réussite dont s’inspirent d’autres provinces canadiennes lorsqu’il s’agit de fournir un accès équitable à la FIV. Nous félicitons toutes les familles qui ont vécu une expérience positive avec le programme — tant celles qui ont eu le bonheur de s’agrandir que celles qui nourrissent un nouvel espoir pour l’avenir.» – Danielle Xavier présidente du groupe de revendication de la FIV, Conceivable Dreams

 

FAITS EN BREF

  • Au cours de sa première année, le Programme de procréation assistée de l’Ontario a accordé du soutien financier à près de 4 800 patients qui ont bénéficié de services de prélèvement d’ovules, d’embryologie et de transplantation d’un embryon frais. En outre, plus de 1 700 patients de la FIV ont obtenu des services de transplantation d’embryons congelés.
  • Les patients de l’Ontario peuvent obtenir un cycle de FIV financé dans 18 cliniques.
  • Afin de mieux appuyer les personnes désireuses de fonder ou d’agrandir leur famille, le gouvernement renforce aussi le système d’adoption.
  • L’aide offerte aux personnes qui veulent concevoir et adopter des enfants fait fond sur des mesures récentes que l’Ontario a appliquées en vue de mieux soutenir les familles en croissance, y compris une hausse du nombre de tests de dépistage des maladies chez les nouveau-nés, l’augmentation du nombre d’options pour la naissance, la création de deux centres de naissance hors hôpital, le financement de visites de santé du bébé dans le cadre des soins primaires, la mise sur pied de la toute première banque de lait maternel de la province ainsi que la reconnaissance du statut juridique de tous les parents, qu’ils soient LGBTA2+ ou hétérosexuels, que leurs enfants aient été conçus avec ou sans aide.

 

POUR EN SAVOIR DAVANTAGE

 

Politics

Six Nuclear Unit Refurbs means Ontario Commits to Future in Nuclear Energy

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Ontario has updated its contract with Bruce Power and will proceed with the refurbishment of six nuclear units at the Tiverton-based nuclear generation station.

Nuclear refurbishment will boost economic activity across Ontario, create jobs, ensure savings for ratepayers and secure a clean supply of reliable electricity. The Bruce Power refurbishment project will make up to 23,000 jobs possible and generate about $6.3 billion in annual economic benefits in communities throughout the province. Ontario is home to a globally recognized CANDU nuclear supply chain with more than 180 companies employing thousands of highly skilled workers.

Note: At Bruce Power-station, each reactor has its own turbine set.
              Note: At Bruce Power-station, each reactor has its own turbine set.

The government was further able to optimize the nuclear refurbishment schedule in order to maximize the value of existing nuclear units. The revised timeline will mean construction commences in 2020, rather than the previously estimated start date of 2016.

Accordingly, the updated agreement has achieved $1.7 billion in savings for electricity customers when compared to the forecast in the 2013 Long-Term Energy Plan (2013 LTEP).  This means a reduction in forecast household electricity bills by about $66 each year over the next decade. The contract also protects the interests of electricity consumers by ensuring Bruce Power assumes full risk for any potential cost overruns or delays.

Key aspects of the updated agreement include:

  • Securing 6,300 MW of emissions-free, baseload generating capacity while deferring major project work to 2020, to maximize value of the units
  • Bruce Power would invest approximately $13 billion of its own funds and agrees to take full risk of cost overruns on refurbishments of the six nuclear units
  • Initial price for Bruce Power’s generation set at $65.73/MWh starting January 1, 2016. The average price over the life of the contract is estimated to be $77/MWh, or 7.7 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).
  • Both prices are within the range assumed in the 2013 LTEP for refurbished nuclear energy and are lower than the average price of electricity generation in Ontario, which in 2015 was $83/MWh
  • Definitive contract off-ramps that allow the government to assess Bruce Power’s cost estimates for each reactor prior to its refurbishment and stop the refurbishment if the estimated cost exceeds a pre-defined amount

The province is achieving balance by contracting affordable, stable and reliable generation for residents and businesses while securing investments that will be a key source of local job creation and economic growth.

Securing clean, reliable baseload power for decades to come is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan is includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.

 Ontario Minister Of EnergyBob ChiarelliQUOTES

“This agreement makes 23,000 jobs possible and supports an estimated $6.3 billion in annual, local economic development. Our updated agreement with Bruce Power secures 6,300 MW of emission-free, low-cost electricity supply. These actions will save the electricity system $1.7 billion and provide important relief for electricity consumers.”

— Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy

““Today is a major milestone in the history of Bruce Power as we build on our existing agreement with the province and extensive experience to enter the next phase of our site development. This provides us the opportunity to secure our long-term role as a supplier of low-cost electricity by demonstrating we can successfully deliver this program incrementally.”

— Duncan Hawthorne, President and CEO, Bruce Power

QUICK FACTS

  • Following the release of the 2013 LTEP, the amended BPRIA was negotiated over two years by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
  • The Bruce nuclear site is the world’s largest operating nuclear facility. Since it was formed in 2001, Bruce Power and its industry partners have engineered and developed first-of-a-kind technologies that helped return four dormant nuclear units to service.
  • Nuclear energy plays a fundamental role in Ontario’s electricity system. It provides over half of Ontario’s annual generation, meeting most of Ontario’s baseload requirements.

LEARN MORE

 

Supplemental- The CANDU Bruce Nuclear Generating Station on Lake Huron is the largest nuclear power plant in the world.

Politics

Premier of Ontario’s Mission to China generates $2.5Billion in Business agreements

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Premier Wynne Trade Mission To China Premier Kathleen Wynne concluded her second mission to China on Friday the 13th this month in Beijing, where 38 new agreements valued at $750 million were signed by delegates. This brings the estimated total value of agreements from the mission to $2.5 billion. The agreements are expected to create 1,700 jobs in Ontario.

 

At a signing ceremony in Beijing, Wing On New Group Canada Inc. signed three agreements totaling $230 million, including:

  • A $100-million agreement with JD.com to purchase Canadian produce and provide business services to Canadian enterprises in the Chinese e-commerce market.
  • An $80-million agreement with China Telecom Group Best Tone Information Co. Ltd. to import food and Canadian nutritional products to China. The Chinese company will also provide financial services to Wing On and jointly develop a Chinese e-commerce market with Wing On and JD.com.
  • An agreement with Cross-border City Americo Wholesale to purchase $50 million in Canadian produce over the next three years, and open 30 new stores in 2016, with an Ontario Produce Exhibition Booth in every new store.

Hydrogenics signed four certified integrator agreements to supply fuel cell technology for integration into zero-emission public transport buses. In aggregate, the company anticipates a market opportunity of up to $100 million in revenue over a 3 to 5 year period, with approximately $10 million in the first year.

image: niagarathisweek.com
image: niagarathisweek.com

Also in Beijing, CITIC Capital announced a $100 million investment towards Paradise, a new attraction and residential development in Niagara Falls. The development is led by China-based GR Investments Co. Ltd., which has purchased 484 acres of property located west of Marineland and adjacent to Thundering Waters Golf Club.

 

The Premier also announced that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has hired a new agri-food trade advisor in Shanghai to assist Ontario food exporters. The advisor will increase food export sales by providing international market information and identifying suitable business opportunities and strategic alliances for Ontario food and beverage suppliers. OMAFRA already has trade advisors in India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

 

During the mission, the City of Wuxi, in Jiangsu Province, and the Region of Durham signed a Friendship Agreement, creating a sister city relationship to promote economic co-operation, trade and collaboration in education and tourism. Also in Wuxi, Trent University entered into a Partnership High School Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Wuxi No. 1 High School and Wuxi Foreign Language School.

 

Investments also formalized include Shenzhen Bauzer Investment Group Co. Ltd., which acquired an 80% share of EDI, a Toronto-based leader in the field of robotics automation. With this acquisition, Shenzhen Bauzer intends to create an additional 200 jobs in Ontario.

 

Attracting new investments and helping the province’s businesses compete globally is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

 

QUOTES

 

“Trade is essential for Ontario’s economic growth and international competitiveness. This mission has strengthened Ontario’s political and economic ties with China. By signing new trade agreements valued at $2.5 billion and further developing our relationships with political leaders, Ontario has made a significant impact throughout this mission.”

— Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

 

“The tremendous success of the mission is further evidence of the enduring relationship between China and Ontario and the compelling business case our province offers for global investment. Our government will continue working collaboratively with the private sector and research community to build an innovative, dynamic economy that supports long-term growth and job creation.”

— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

 

“China is an important and long-term partner for Ontario in trade development, investment attraction, and science and technology collaboration. Our diversity and our highly skilled workforce are advantages that allow Ontario to create products and services for the global marketplace. The successful signings from this mission reinforce Ontario’s position as a top trading economy and will help create more jobs and economic opportunities across our province.”

— Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade

 

QUICK FACTS

 

  • On the final day of the mission, Ontario delegates signed 38 agreements, which are valued at $750 million.

 

  • Ontario delegates signed more than 100 agreements and MOUs during the mission, with an estimated total value of $2.5 billion.
  • Over the last two years, Premier Wynne’s 2014 and 2015 missions to China have generated agreements worth an estimated $3.8 billion — including agreements signed by delegates during and after the missions.

 

LEARN MORE

 

Discover why Ontario’s highly diversified economy is attractive to investors

 

Read about Ontario’s Going Global Trade Strategy

Politics

Premier Wynne talks leadership and politics at Alma Mater in Richmond Hill

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"Andrea Horwath’s decision to force this election has put all of these improvements at risk of Tim Hudak’s slash and burn agenda." Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne
“Andrea Horwath’s decision to force this election has put all of these improvements at risk of Tim Hudak’s slash and burn agenda.” Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne

Premier Kathleen Wynne spoke to high school students about leadership today at a Free the Children event at Richmond Hill High School. A proud graduate of Richmond Hill High School, Premier Wynne was excited to return to her alma mater. She joined Marc Kielburger and Free the Children to discuss leadership and her values as Premier.

Wynne told the students that leadership is about standing up for what’s right, even when others try to shout you down. Leaders have a vision, and they are willing to work with others to make it a reality.

As Ontario Premier, Wynne has led by making the tough decisions that are necessary to ensure our economic recovery and make our province a better place to live and do business, including:

·Ontario Liberals introduced the 30% Off Tuition Grant, which saves eligible students with $1,730 on tuition in degree programs and $790 for students in diploma or certificate programs. Last year, the grant supported about 230,000 students with the cost of post-secondary.

·Investing $295 million over two years for the highly successful Ontario Youth Jobs Strategy, which gives young people the opportunity to gain a foothold in the job market. The strategy has already helped over 10,000 young people get work experience and find jobs.

·Standing up to Stephen Harper and the federal government after they refused to address the emerging pension crisis. Premier Wynne proposed an Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, a made-in-Ontario solution to help people save for their retirement.

·Kathleen Wynne Liberals have a plan that includes more than $11 billion for elementary and secondary education infrastructure and $11.4 billion in major hospital expansion and redevelopment projects.

Andrea Horwath’s decision to force this election has put all of these improvements at risk of Tim Hudak’s slash and burn agenda.

On June 12, Ontarians will choose between Premier Wynne’s plan for jobs and growth and Tim Hudak’s radical cuts.

QUOTE

“There’s nothing more inspiring than speaking with young people. I can’t wait to see the great leaders that they become. I believe that leadership is about making tough decisions – ones that provide opportunity now, as well as into the future. That’s what I will continue to do as Premier of Ontario.”

– Premier Kathleen Wynne

QUICK FACTS

·Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals have a 10-year plan for a stronger Ontario that includes creating jobs with a new $2.5 billion Jobs and Prosperity Fund.

·Our plan includes investing $130 billion in transit, infrastructure, hospitals and schools to make Ontario a better place to live and do business.

·According to the Mowat Centre, the people of Ontario contributed $11 billion more to the federal government than they received in return in 2009–10. This represents about $850 per Ontarian.  For the Silo, Rebecca MacKenzie

Eat Right Ontario

Politics

PEI Joins Ontario On Pension Reform

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PEI Joins Ontario on Pension Reform
PEI Joins Ontario on Pension Reform

PEI is teaming up with Ontario to help develop a viable, responsible plan to improve retirement income security so people can retire more comfortably.

Both provinces were disappointed with the federal government’s unilateral decision to shut down discussions on enhancing the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Today, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne met with PEI Premier Robert Ghiz to discuss options to
enhance retirement income security.

PEI and Manitoba are joining Ontario’s Technical Advisory Group on Retirement Security. PEI will be represented by Sandy Stewart, Secretary of Economic, Trade, Policy and Strategy of PEI’s Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning and former Clerk of PEI’s Executive Council, and Manitoba will be represented by Ewald Boschman, the province’s former Deputy Minister of Finance.

Ontario has been moving forward with its plan to strengthen retirement income security for workers and families across the province. The Technical Advisory Group on Retirement Security will explore the most effective alternatives to a CPP enhancement. The Right Honourable Paul Martin is also working with the province, as Special Advisor on retirement income security.

Improving retirement income security is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic partnerships.

QUICK FACTS*   An additional member, Murray Gold, Managing Partner at Koskie Minsky LLP and pension counsel to the Ontario Federation of Labour, has also joined Ontario’s Technical Advisory Group on Retirement Security.

*   People throughout Canada, including middle-income earners, may not be saving enough to ensure comparable standards of living in retirement.
*   Fewer than 35 per cent of workers in Ontario have a workplace-based pension plan. Coverage for workers in the private sector is even lower, with only 28 per cent having the benefit of plan membership.
*   Prince Edward Island has among the lowest rates of private-sector pension coverage in the country.

LEARN MORE

*   Find out more about Ontario’s Technical Advisory Group on Retirement
Security<http://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2014/01/the-technical-advisory-group-on-retirement-security.html>

QUOTES

“We know that our voices are always stronger when we stand together. I am confident
that by working with other provinces, we can find a viable, responsible solution to
protect workers in their retirement. It is important that today’s workers have peace
of mind that they can retire comfortably in the future.”
— Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

“At their last meeting, the provincial and territorial ministers all agreed to
explore options to improve Canada’s retirement income system. Unfortunately, the
federal government chose to ignore this consensus and attempted to shut down any
further discussions. We will continue this important work with or without a federal
partner. Enhancing CPP remains our key objective as we continue to collaborate on an
issue so important to the financial security of all Canadians.”
— Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island

 

Politics

Ex-Prime Minister of Canada named Special Advisor on Retirement Income Security

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Fact: Fewer than 35 per cent of workers in Ontario have a workplace-based pension plan. Coverage for workers in the private sector is even lower, with only 28 per cent having the benefit of plan membership.
Fact:  Fewer than 35 per cent of workers in Ontario have a workplace-based pension plan. Coverage for workers in the private sector is even lower, with only 28 per cent having the benefit of plan membership.

Government Working on Made-in-Ontario Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced today that the Right Honourable Paul Martin has agreed to serve as Special Advisor to the Minister of Finance. Mr. Martin will work with the government on a made-in-Ontario solution to enhance retirement income security for the people of Ontario.

Charles Sousa- Ontario's Minister of Finance will benefit from Paul Martin's experiences as Canada's Prime Minister and Federal Minister of Finances. CP
Charles Sousa- Ontario’s Minister of Finance will benefit from Paul Martin’s experiences as Canada’s Prime Minister and Federal Minister of Finances. CP

 

The announcement followed a meeting between the Premier and the former Prime Minister, where they discussed the urgent need to help hardworking people build a more secure retirement. As federal finance minister, Mr. Martin played an instrumental role in the 1997 federal-provincial agreement to reform the CPP. These reforms were critical to ensuring the plan would be financially sustainable.

Helping people retire with dignity and security is part of the government’s economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

QUOTES

 “I want to thank Paul Martin for taking on this role as Special Advisor. Together, I know we will help protect Ontario’s hardworking people in their retirement with a made-in-Ontario solution that is viable, responsible and puts people first.”

–– Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

 

“I am pleased that Paul Martin has agreed to act as Special Advisor on retirement income to the government of Ontario. After the federal government failed to agree to enhance the CPP, our government announced that we will move ahead with a made-in-Ontario solution to enhance retirement savings in the province. Paul Martin will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience as we work towards ensuring that future generations have a more secure retirement.”

–– Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance

QUICK FACTS

  • The Right Honourable Paul Martin was the 21st Prime Minister of Canada from 2003 to 2006.

 

  • Fewer than 35 per cent of workers in Ontario have a workplace-based pension plan.  Coverage for workers in the private sector is even lower, with only 28 per cent having the benefit of plan membership.

 

  • Retirement savings experts suggest that individuals require 50 to 70 per cent of their pre-retirement income to maintain their standard of living in retirement. Many Ontarians, including middle- and higher-income earners, may not be saving enough to meet this target.

 

LEARN MORE

 Read Securing Our Retirement Future: Consulting with Ontarians on Canada’s Retirement Income System

Disponible en français. Envoyer la demande à   contentproducer@thesilo.ca
Politics

Ontario Greens: Canada European Union Trade Deal Extends To Municipalities

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The official description from the Government of Canada is that CETA "is by far the most ambitious trade initiative" image: canada-eu.gc.ca
The official description from the Government of Canada is that CETA “is by far the most ambitious trade initiative” image: canada-eu.gc.ca

Ontario Greens are calling for a public review on the EU trade deal before its final approval.

(Queen’s Park): GPO leader Mike Schreiner is demanding that Premier Wynne conduct a public review on CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) before Ontario approves the deal.

“The people of Ontario deserve the right to accept or reject CETA’s sweeping changes before the deal is finalized,” says Schreiner. “Ontario cannot let CETA sell out local decision making, local purchasing policies, and sovereignty over our natural resources and public services without
a public debate on costs and benefits.”

The GPO has raised concerns over CETA in the past. In a letter to then Premier McGuinty last year, the GPO asked to Premier to:

* exempt natural resources, local purchasing programs, public utilities and services such as education and health care, and municipalities from CETA;
* demand open and transparent negotiations, and
* insist the dispute mechanisms are open and fair.

In this excerpt: A look back at what NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Act from 20 years ago) proposals looked like and their predicted impacts. Essay by E.Bernard http://www.law.harvard.edu/programs/lwp/nafta.pdf
In this excerpt: A look back at what NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Act from 20 years ago) proposals looked like and their predicted impacts. Essay by E.Bernard
http://www.law.harvard.edu/programs/lwp/nafta.pdf

“The Green Party supports free, fair trade with Europe, but NAFTA has taught us that we need to think these things through to prevent
expensive problems after the treaty is signed,” says Schreiner. “Ontarians need to be in control of fundamental decisions about their province and their economy.”

This would be the first trade deal that extends to provinces and municipalities. Over 50 municipalities and school boards have sought an exemption from CETA.

“Ontario must have a public review before approving such sweeping changes to our democratic institutions and local economies,” says Schreiner. “We can’t sell out our sovereignty to multi-national corporations without the people having a voice on the final details of this deal.” For the Silo, Becky Smit

Supplemental- What exactly is CETA supposed to be? http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/en/content/ceta-aecg/canada-eu-trade-agreement

In 2009 conspiracy reports of a Super NAFTA highway made headlines in the US. Here is a CNN brief:

Legislative Assembly Manitoba From 2007- Announcements of a Winnipeg ‘in land port’ with preclearance for international shipping , and a super NAFTA highway joining Manitoba with the US and Mexico via a mid continent trade corridor:

 

Politics

Ontario Greens- Inaction on Ombudsman recommendations puts Ontarians ‘at risk’

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See the supplemental section below for more on this photo-
See the supplemental section below for more on this photo-

Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner made the following statement in response to the Ombudsman’s 2012-2013 Annual Report [search the report here at thesilo.ca CP ]:   “Whether it’s safe transportation for medical issues, our civil liberties or responsible, accountable government, the Liberal government has put people at risk by failing to act.

It is especially irresponsible that the Liberal government has failed to introduce legislation to address the appalling conditions of non-emergency medical transportation services.

The current Premier promised action two years ago when she was Minister of Transportation, yet nothing has happened. According to the Ombudsman, the current Transportation Minister was unaware of how serious this issue is and the need to take action now. Ontario can’t afford to wait for a tragedy to take action.

Three years after the Liberals violated our civil liberties at the G20 summit in Toronto, the outdated  Public Works Protection Act: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90p55_e.htm  has not been overhauled. All three status quo parties at Queen’s Park shoulder the blame for the delay in fixing this serious breach of our civil liberties.

Finally, it is embarrassing that Ontario remains the only province without Ombuds oversight of hospitals, long term care facilities, children aide societies and other MUSH sector public institutions.  With the Liberals third-rate cover up of the gas plant scandal, we’ve seen this government demonstrate a fear of proper oversight and accountability.

 

It’s unacceptable that they continue to fail to provide citizens with proper oversight of the MUSH sector.

The Ombudsman’s annual report once again shows the Liberals are a bait and switch government. They say one thing and do another or simply fail to act.”      For the Silo, Becky Smit

 

Supplemental- Little known Public Works protection Act grants Police Forces sweeping powers: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/2010/07/14/best_be_careful_around_public_works.html

Ontario’s public watchdog office- The Ombudsman http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/home.aspx?lang=en-CA