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Wednesday, January 7, 2009 Orono Weekly Times - 7 Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole cost money, but help the economy. Your input and suggestions are always welcome, especially in light of the upcoming provincial budget due this spring. A lot depends on that budget being comprehensive enough to sustain the signs of improvement that are being seen already. Government Concludes Pesticide Consultation As of December 22, 2008, the Ontario government concluded the opportunity for public comments into the proposed new rules for the cosmetic use of pesticides. I would like to thank the many Durham Riding residents who have taken the time to call or to write. The provincial government says it plans to start the ban as early as this spring. As you may know, the new provincial pesticide law includes exceptions for agriculture, forestry, health or safety, specialty turf, trees and protection of natural areas. Golf courses are also exempt, but they must report on their pesticide use. Sports fields hosting national or international events may be able to obtain an exception. I appreciate the input I have received about the new regu- Looking Ahead to 2009 The recovery of the provincial economy must be the number one priority of all levels of government in this New Year. I am pleased that the federal and provincial governments have agreed to work with our neighbours in the U.S. on loans to support GM and Chrysler in the months ahead. Locally, I hope this will preserve some jobs and support the operations of GM, along with its suppliers, dealers and small businesses that depend on the auto sector. At the same time, there is much more to be done. Governments must also turn their attention to other sectors of the economy, so that there is a complete package of support. Measures to boost the economy may not be as comprehensive as the recent auto sector loans. But, there is more to be done in areas such as retail businesses, farms, forestry, tourism, small business, and the broader manufacturing sector. Often, less red tape and government regulations do not Are you in an abusive relationship? Call Bethesda House 905-623-6050 or 1-800-338-3397 (For women with or without children.) lations. Clearly, there are many Durham residents who support the pesticide ban. At the same time, I received calls, letters and e-mails from those who have some concerns over the implementation of the ban and the lack of full consultation. If materials used as pesticides are dangerous, why are they approved at the federal level? One concern is the conflicting advice between the federal agencies that regulate pesticides and approve products for use and the proposed provincial ban. The second concern is over the timing of the new rules. Many lawncare companies have already made plans for service to customers in 2009 based on the current rules. The change in regulations means some small businesses may face financial hardships because of commitments they made to purchase products and provide services before the ban comes into effect. The McGuinty government must consider both issues before finalizing the ban. Ontario has Tentative Deals with OPSEU & Police A tentative agreement has been reached between the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU.) The union represents about 38,000 government employees. These include front line staff such as correctional officers and people who provide services directly to the public, administrative support and clerical staff as well as direct care workers, and staff with technical and professional expertise. The Correctional Bargaining Unit has not yet reached a tentative agreement. This tentative deal is with respect to the Central Collective Agreement and the Unified Bargaining Unit Collective Agreement. Details will be released once the contract is ratified. Late last month, the Ontario Government also reached a tentative collective agreement with the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA). The Association represents 5,600 uniformed officers and 2,600 civilian staff of the Ontario Provincial Police. In previous agreements reached with doctors and some Ontario teachers, the provincial government has settled on contracts providing about 12 per cent increases over four years. Truck Speed Limiter Law in Effect January 1 There will be a six-month educational awareness period to provide truck companies and drivers an opportunity to comply with the new speed limiter regulations introduced by the McGuinty Government. Starting January 1, 2009, most large trucks are required to use electronic devices that cap their speed at 105 kilometres per hour. Everyone is in favour of safer roads, reduced greenhouse gases and the more efficient use of fuel. However, I remain concerned that the speed limiters may interfere with the ability of Ontario trucks to travel to the U.S. and vehicles from the U.S. to deliver products in Ontario. I would urge the provincial government to use the six-month education period to resolve any outstanding issues and, if warranted, to reconsider the speed limiter law or offer fur- ther extensions. New Regulations for Small Flock Chicken Farms Starting January 1, 2009, there is a new policy governing the number of chickens small producers can raise for home consumption and for marketing at the farm gate. The new rules allow the farmer to grow up to 300 chickens per premise per year and to market the chickens at the farm gate. Administration, registration and application for the program will take place online. Further information is available at www.cfo.on.ca .The 300-bird policy has been approved by the Chicken Farmers of Ontario, following industrywide consultations and a pilot program in 2008. The purpose of the regulation is to accommodate Ontarians who wish to raise a small number of chickens for home consumption and marketing on the farm premises. Durham Riding Levee is Sunday, January 11 Please remember the annual Durham Riding Levee is being held on Sunday, January 11. Hours are from noon to two p.m. and the location is the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre in Bowmanville. (This is the former Bowmanville Library, located at 62 Temperance St.) You are cordially invited to attend. After the busy Christmas season, many welcome the opportunity to meet friends and neighbours informally, while enjoying light refreshments and music. It has been my pleasure to host the levee each year. I hope to see you there.