May 30, 2007

QUESTION

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford): My question is to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Minister, over the last few weeks, we have heard a lot about all the money this government has wasted on political slush funds, and I'm sure your ministry had one of those hidden somewhere. Municipalities that actually filled out the paperwork and spent a lot of money completing their application were shut out of COMRIF funding by this government without any rhyme or reason.

Middlesex county says they don't understand how applications were evaluated or approved. Their MPPs-your colleagues-haven't been able to help them. Minister, what are you going to do for communities like Middlesex county, Brantford, Callander and many others that have spent money on applications and were shut out of your infrastructure lottery?

Hon. Leona Dombrowsky (Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs): I think that it truly is unfortunate that the member opposite doesn't appreciate the partnership the McGuinty government has entered into. Over the last three years, there was over $900 million in investment in rural infrastructure. I would offer that that's $900 million more than you invested when you were in government.

This is a partnership with municipalities, with the federal government and with the province. The honourable member is shaking his head. He obviously hasn't got a clue what he has asked a question about. This is a partnership. There is a secretariat where federal representatives and provincial representatives adjudicate the applications that come forward. There is a plethora; there certainly are more applications than we have dollars for. We have begun to invest in rural infrastructure. That is something the previous government neglected for eight years. We have made $900 million of investment, and it has been money well spent.