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QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the Ontario Legislature Ernie Hardeman M.P.P. for Oxford and Progressive Conservative critic for Municipal Affairs demanded answers on why municipalities and ratepayers are being forced to wait for relief until after the provincial election. “The Liberals claimed that the Provincial-Municipal Review required a full 18 months, until after the next provincial election,” said Hardeman. “But there has been no progress on their promise of a review in the last two months–not even the appointment of the committee. It looks like another McGuinty broken promise to the taxpayers of Ontario.” Despite Hardeman’s questions in the legislature John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, did not address the need for the review to take 18 months or to last beyond the next provincial election. The last study of municipal services was completed almost ten years ago. Since that time costs have increased substantially. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario estimates that the gap between municipal transfers and the cost of social programs is over $3 Billion. “While waiting for the review municipalities are being forced to reduce services or raise property taxes,” said Hardeman. “The Minister admitted he didn’t know the average property tax increase but let me tell you they are increasing dramatically and seniors are being forced to sell their homes because they can’t afford the property taxes.” During Estimates Committee on October 10, 2006 Gerretsen admitted that he did not know the average property tax increase in Ontario and that his Ministry does not track property taxes. Mr. Hardeman’s Private Members’ resolution, which was passed by the Ontario Legislature, called on the government to complete the Municipal-Provincial Fiscal and Service review expediently and take action to balance the delivery of services with the ability to pay. “Two weeks ago the Liberals voted against my resolution to
complete the review expediently. So I guess they are admitting that
they are dragging the review out for political gain,” said Hardeman
“The Liberals have shown that they will say anything to try
to get re-elected but despite Liberal opposition the legislature made
it clear that we want this review completed quickly.” |
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