Ontario Community Newspapers

Oakville Beaver, 7 May 2014, p. 9

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continued from p.1 vote," he said. "I've served now close to 30 years consecutively, the last 11 as the MPP for the area, and I intend to go out and earn that vote again." Nor is he worried the gas plant issue will cost the Liberals votes -- in Oakville or elsewhere in Ontario. Flynn said he hopes the cancellation of the gas plant in Oakville stays in mind of voters when they head to the polls. "The gas plant that was proposed had no place being approved here in the first place. I'm glad our government, at the end of the day, decided that they agreed with the people of Oakville and myself and we stood up to the provincial government and said this shouldn't be built here," he said. "The people of Oakville know this was the wrong place to put a plant. You don't put a plant that big, that close to a population base like that, when you're 300-400 yards away from a child centre and schools. So, I know we did the right thing in Flynn reacts to election and is ready to stand on his record stopping that plant. All three parties said they would stop it." While the relocation of the gas plant may certainly make Oakville voters happy, Flynn added he doesn't believe the price tag will cost the Liberals votes across Ontario. "I think people will understand the principle of why the community united so strongly... to make sure the plant didn't get built in our community. It was dangerous. It was unhealthy," he said. "This could've been any community, Burlington, Milton, Hamilton, Thunder Bay, Kingston, (etc.).... And I'm so proud the (provincial) government was the one to step up to protect the people of Oakville and I would've hoped they would have protected any other community that expressed the same concerns our fine people did." Flynn admitted he didn't think New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Andrea Horwath's absence during the Liberal Party's budget presentation Thursday meant she and her party would not support it. "To be honest, I'm surprised. I knew she was in a very tight spot. Kathleen Wynne, as premier, has done a terrific job since she was elected and she just continues to get stronger. "From what I've seen, the NDP's prospects in this election are not very good, unfortunately, for them." He called Horwath's move an act of "saving her own skin." "I think Ms. Horwath and the NDP have caused this election for their own political ends and that's a shame," said Flynn. "(They) had a political decision to make and they made it to suit their own ends, instead of listening to the people of Ontario, who don't really want an election." Flynn said he is proud of his party's budget, saying it was what the people of Ontario, and Oakville, wanted. As local voters prepare themselves to head to the polls next month, Flynn says the Liberals' political track record and the proposed budget will be topof-mind. He made note of the low unemployment rate and diversified economy in Oakville; transportation and hospital improvements; the new provincial budget proposed to bring affordable retirement; money into the healthcare system and hospices; and a road to the remote Ring of Fire mineral deposit in Northern Ontario. Flynn said he can't imagine how a party could vote against improvements in healthcare, highways, hospices and making hydro bills affordable. "This is a terrific budget and one of the best I've seen in a long time from any level of government, from any party. I think when you look at the impact it was going to have, for 98 per cent of the people for the Town of Oakville, it was going to have no impact at all on their taxes. For those of us fortunate enough to earn over $150,000 or over $220,000, they're being asked to pay a little bit more." Flynn said he didn't believe that tax increase on top-earners would alienate Oakville voters. Those with a taxable income between $150,000 and $220,000 will pay $450 a year more in provincial income tax while those earning more than $220,000 would pay $5,500 more annually. "The people I know in this town who are high-income earners are decent people and they're being asked to pay a little bit more, this isn't a lot more," Flynn said. "I think these people who care about the community, their neighbours, about strong public services... when you take all that into account, I think the people in Oakville will agree this treats people fairly... We are an affluent community, but we're one that gives and shares as well -- willing to give their share." Editor's Note: For a rundown of candidates in the Oakville and Halton ridings and ongoing election campaign coverage, visit www. oakvillebeaver.com. 9 | Wednesday, May 7, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The minimum wage is going up. Here's what you need to know: Current Wage Rates General Minimum Wage Student Minimum Wage: Students under 18 and working not more than 28 hours per week or during a school holiday Liquor Servers Minimum Wage Hunting and Fishing Guides Minimum Wage: Rate for working less than five consecutive hours in a day Hunting and Fishing Guides Minimum Wage: Rate for working five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive Homeworkers Wage: Employees and dependent contractors doing paid work in their home $10.25 per hour $9.60 per hour Effective June 1, 2014 $11.00 per hour $10.30 per hour THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO DESIGN YOUR DREAM AYA KITCHEN $8.90 per hour $51.25 $102.50 $9.55 per hour $55.00 $110.00 $11.28 per hour $12.10 per hour On June 1, 2014, the general minimum wage will increase to $11.00 per hour from the current rate of $10.25 per hour. To find out more about how the new minimum wage guidelines affect employers and employees: 1-800-531-5551 ontario.ca/minimumwage AYA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE · 1195 North Service Road West AyAoakville.com · 905.847.1522 Paid for by the Government of Ontario www.oakville.ca Public Meeting New Progressive Discipline Procedure for misconduct at outdoor sports fields Thursday, May 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road You are invited to learn more about the new Progressive Discipline Procedure at this public meeting. The Community Services Commission has developed a Be A Good Neighbour ­ Progressive Discipline Procedure for permit holders using outdoor sport fields across Oakville. The new procedure will provide a clear definition of the consequences for permit holders that do not comply with the town's code of conduct, and a fair and transparent process to resolve any inappropriate behaviours or activities of permit holders when using the town's outdoor sport fields. If you have any accessibility needs, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting Maureen Rabchuk, Parks Administrator at 905-845-6601, ext. 3076 (TTY: 905-338-4200) mrabchuk@oakville.ca or by filling out the accessible online feedback form on oakville.ca.

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