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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday March 28, 2008 - 7 Region waits for budget specifics Continued from page 1 "I think it will be an important component of moving people from east to west," he remarked. The chair said he's also happy that the GO Lakeshore corridor has been identified for improvements. The budget allocates $60 million for 20 additional bi-level passenger coaches for the line. "This is great news for Oakville," stated Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn in a news release. "We're working to fix up the roads that connect our communities because families and goods need to get to where they're going quickly and efficiently ­ it's good for families, and it's good for the economy." Carr said the Region has yet to receive formal notification from the Province on any other funding Halton may receive for infrastructure from the budget. He noted more should be known within the next few weeks. The Region is also waiting on the soon-to-be-released results of the Joint ProvincialMunicipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review, which aims to determine the best way to deliver and pay for programs like social housing and welfare -- things that used to be paid for at the provincial level but were downloaded to municipalities by former premier Mike Harris. A report on the 18-month review is expected in late spring. Through Fairness for Halton, the Region has been asking the Province to take back at least some of the responsibility for funding social service programs. "I believe these services shouldn't be on the property tax base," noted Carr. If that money was freed up, the Region would put it toward needed infrastructure like road and sewers, the chair previously told The Oakville Beaver. For more information on the Fairness for Halton campaign visit www.halton.ca. Don't Pay Retail! Factory Outlet Sale We Install Columns Wainscoting Halton MPP slams budget Halton Conservative MPP Ted Chudleigh slammed the provincial budget for not providing major tax cuts to revive the slumping Ontario economy. "The Ontario budget presented today by Liberal Finance Minister Dwight Duncan is an uninspiring recipe of Liberal spending, salted with a few minor pro-business measures, and served with a thin gruel of hope that the forces buffeting Ontario's economy will not get any worse. The Liberals think this concoction is enough to spice Ontario's ailing economy," stated a release issued by Chudleigh, Official Opposition Critic to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. "Unfortunately, it is not." Chudleigh said that the McGuinty Liberals are deluding themselves that the small nods served in the budget to address business concerns are enough to save Ontario's economy. While he "Failure by the Liberals to see the danger coming is reminiscent of the Bob Rae NDP, who in 1990, decided they would spend their way out of a recession." Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh applauded the measures taken, he explained that they should have framed a major tax reduction and a serious attempt to cut the cost to business of red tape and government regulation. "Ontario's economy is in real danger. Failure by the Liberals to see the danger coming is reminiscent of the Bob Rae NDP who in 1990 decided they would spend their way out of a recession," said Chudleigh. "This plan to spend money on infrastructure will at least produce tangible rewards, however, spending to stop a recession fails to address the problems with our fiscal approach which contributed to the economic troubles in the first place." Chudleigh said that Duncan's budget has set the stage in Ontario for a protracted economic downturn. Citing figures that Ontario has trailed all other Canadian provinces for the past two years in economic growth, Chudleigh explained that Ontario has not set itself up to weather the storm of external economic pressures. "The Liberals have failed to cut capital taxes which kill jobs, they have failed to cut corporate income taxes which pressure small businesses, and they have failed to provide tax relief for Ontarians," said Chudleigh. "Ontario is now the highest business tax jurisdiction in Canada." Over 70 Smooth or Patterned Profiles Visit our website or showrooms for prices, design ideas. 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Extinguish all candles when you leave the room. · Keep candles out of all bedrooms. It's the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey of your home. Smoke alarms can provide an early warning of fire and a home fire escape plan will help ensure you and your family get out safely. "While I do encourage everyone to get involved in this worthy initiative, I am strongly urging people to prevent fires while participating," said Burke. 1194 Dundas St. East Oakville L6H 7E4 905.257.4661 Store Hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 8 pm Sat: 10am - 7pm Sun: 11am - 5pm Hectic Schedule ... no dinner ... no problem! Stir-Fry Entree Salad Soup Sides Pasta that won't tip or burn. Those with glass shades or chimneys are best. · Keep lit candles a safe distance away from anything that can burn. · Keep candles, matches and Mississauga Store Coming Soon! To learn more and order online, visit: www.frescosandco.com