The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Orono Weekly Times - 13 Staying in Touch MPP John O'Toole Ontario. Over a four-month period, this agency spent nearly $5 million in taxpayerfunded health care dollars on fees for outside consultants, without allowing public bids. eHealth already employs over 160 people making more than $100,000 per year. One consultant was paid $300 an hour to read newspapers, watch television, and engage in conversations on the subway. After a mere three months on the job at $380,000 a year, CEO Sarah Kramer gave herself a $114,000 bonus. More recently, the CEO stepped down, but not before she received a massive $317,000 severance package that is almost equal to her annual salary. This government's handling of the eHealth scandal just isn't good enough. While many Ontarians are fighting to keep their community hospitals open, another Ontario Outrage Continues Over eHealth Fiasco According to reports from the CBC, the outrageous spending on salaries, bonuses and un-tendered million dollar contracts at eHealth Ontario must stop. Judging by the calls, letters and e-mails I have received in the past few weeks, Durham Riding residents are also outraged by the fiasco at eHealth Ontario. What's equally outrageous is the fact that, despite the resignation of Sarah Kramer at eHealth Ontario, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care still has his job. Anything less than the resignation of the Health Minister would show that this government isn't really serious about accountability in Ontario. Ontarians are becoming all-too-familiar with eHealth health agency is enjoying lavish expense accounts, perks, and entitlements. Our Bowmanville Hospital Emergency Department, and indeed all Lakeridge Health hospitals, each have their financial challenges. David Caplan was the Minister responsible for Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) at the time of the insider winnings scandal. As is the case in his new portfolio of Health and Long-Term Care, the Minister assumed no responsibility for the problems at OLG. For starters, Premier McGuinty should fire the Minister of Health and demand that consultants or staff who have squandered taxpayers' money pay it back Then there should be a wider investigation of other spending practices in government agencies and Ministries. It is unlikely that a culture of entitlement and a lack of accountability would be limited to only one agency associated with one Ministry of a very large provincial government. It is frightening to imagine how long this spending spree would have continued if the CBC and the Official Opposition hadn't blown the whistle and warned the taxpaying public. There must be more accountability in all public spending. Province Approves New School for Bowmanville I have met recently with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board to review issues and priorities for education. Naturally, I am supportive of new schools needed to serve our growing communities. The Province of Ontario is approving a new elementary school on Bons Ave., in Bowmanville. It is my understanding that this school in north central Bowmanville would have 432 pupil spaces. I will continue to do all that I can to ensure the boards of education have the resources to ensure students achieve their full potential. Durham Farm Fresh Wins Agriculture Innovation Award Congratulations to the Durham Farm Fresh Marketing Association on winning a regional award from the Province of Ontario for agricultural innovation and excellence. Durham Farm Fresh promotes local food and farm products through its web-site, www.durhamfarmfresh.ca. Farmers in Durham region have welcomed as many as 1,500 visitors through the annual weekend Gates Open: Savour Durham Tour, a two-day self-guided tour of 16 farm operations that feature music, food and fun. The Premier's Agri-Food Innovation Excellence awards are part of a $2.5-million, five-year program (now in its third year) established to recognize innovators in Ontario's agri-food sector. Have Your Say on Wind Turbine Setbacks Currently, there is a wind farm proposal for North Durham. The provincial government is recommending that wind turbines not be allowed within 550 metres of the near- Hawaiian Strawberry Tart Fresh, ripe Ontario strawberries combine with coconut, lime and macadamia nuts in this easy-to-make dessert with tropical island flavours. Preparation Time: 25 to 30 minutes Baking Time: 8 to 10 minutes Chilling Time: 2 hours Serves: 8 Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) vanilla wafer crumbs 1/4 cup (50 mL) flaked sweetened coconut 1/4 cup (50 mL) toasted macadamia nuts, finely chopped 1/3 cup (75 mL) unsalted butter, melted Filling: 3 pkg (8 oz/250 g each) light brick cream cheese spread, softened 1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar 1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh lime juice (about 2) 1 tsp (5 mL) each grated lime rind and vanilla Crushed Berry Sauce: 2-1/2 cups (625 mL) quartered Ontario Strawberries 2 tsp (10 mL) granulated sugar (optional) Garnish: 12 Ontario Strawberries, halved 2 tbsp (25 mL) toasted, chopped macadamia nuts Preparation Instructions: In bowl, combine wafer crumbs, coconut and macadamia nuts; stir in butter until evenly moistened. Press onto bottom and up side of 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan with removable bottom. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown around edge. Let cool completely. Filling: In bowl with electric mixer, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar until well combined. Add lime juice, lime rind and vanilla; mix until smooth; spoon over crust. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set and thoroughly chilled. Crushed Berry Sauce: In bowl, combine strawberries with sugar; let stand for 15 minutes or until strawberries start to get juicy. Lightly crush with potato masher or fork. Garnish: Arrange strawberries on tart; sprinkle with macadamia nuts. To serve, cut into wedges and spoon sauce over top. Tips: If you don't have a tart pan, use a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan lined with foil and press crumb mixture into bottom and 1-inch (2.5 cm) up side of pan. To quickly cool baked crust, place in freezer for about 15 minutes. Nutritional Information: 1 Serving Protein: 10.0 grams Fat: 29.0 grams Carbohydrates: 42.0 grams Calories: 470 Source of Fibre est dwelling under proposed regulations that are open to public comment this month. The minimum setback for wind turbines would increase with the number and loudness of the devices. It is also proposed that there be requirements to monitor and address low-frequency noise and vibrations. As a follow-up to its Bill 150 green energy legislation, the province is proposing a one-window approvals process and standardized requirements for renewable energy projects. The government is seeking the public's input on requirements that also govern rules governing setbacks for solar, hydro biogas and biomass projects. Information meetings will be held in six locations across Ontario in June to get public input. You can visit the Ministry of the Environment's website (www.ene.gov.on.ca) for information. Ontarians can also comment online at the Environmental Registry located at www.ebr.gov.on.ca. The Registry Number is 010-6708. There is a deadline of July 24 for public comments. As with all provincial issues affecting our Durham Riding, I welcome your comments. I may be reached at 905-6971501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at: john.otooleco@pc.ola.org Province Passes New Toxins Bill Governing Industry Last week, the Ontario Government passed the new Toxics Reduction Act, 2009. This legislation was very vague and was left primarily to be explained by regulations. It sounds good, but even Cancer Care Ontario was concerned that the legislation was not strong enough. Over the summer, the Province will be consulting with stakeholders and the public on draft regulations associated with the new Toxics Reduction Act. Information is available at the Ministry of the Environment web site, www.ene.gov.on.ca Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15 is world Elder Abuse Awareness Day.