MPP wants his community to have say in budget talks

Nick Seebruch
MPP wants his community to have say in budget talks
MPP Jim McDonell.

CORNWALL, Ontario – MPP Jim McDonell has announced dates for public consultations on the Provincial Budget.

McDonell has said that his riding of Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry has been left out of public consultations on the provincial budget by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. In light of this, he has announced dates and locations across his riding where his constituents can express their budget priorities.

“Last year, community members came together to share their vision for a Budget that works for the residents, businesses and community groups that live, work and operate in Ontario” MPP Jim McDonell said. “On January 1st of this year, the present government introduced the new Cap-and-Trade tax, which will increase the costs of all goods and services in Ontario. Many local schools are being considered for closure due to cuts in funding and changes to regulations governing school boards in the province."

"Health care continues to be rationed as hospitals face funding that fails to account for annual cost  ncreases, such as salaries and the cost of electricity," he continued. "Life is becoming much more expensive and difficult, especially for those on low and fixed incomes. Businesses are deciding to scale back, close or expand elsewhere as they try to contend with the uncompetitive regulatory, tax and cost burden they face in today’s Ontario. The Government must hear these and other concerns from our residents and businesses. I would like to build on last year’s success, therefore I am holding meetings in each municipality.”

The schedule for the consultations is as follows:

• Wednesday, January 11th, 12.30 p.m.-2 p.m., Morrisburg, McIntosh Inn, 12492 County Rd 2

• Wednesday, January 11th, 2.30 p.m.-4 p.m., Avonmore, North Stormont Place, 16229 Fairview Dr

• Thursday, January 12th, 9.30 a.m.-11 a.m., Chesterville, Nelson Laprade Centre, 9 William St

• Thursday, January 12th, 12.30 p.m.-2 p.m., Long Sault, South Stormont Hall, 2 Mille Roches Rd

• Thursday, January 12th, 3 p.m.-4.30 p.m., Lancaster, Royal Canadian Legion 544, 181 Military Rd

• Friday, January 13, 9.30 a.m.-11.30 a.m., Cornwall, Ramada Inn (Ontario Room)

Participants are being encouraged to register in advance. Register at www.sdsgprebudget.eventbrite.ca by Jan. 9 or by calling Marilyn McMahon in MPP McDonell’s office at 613-933-6513.

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