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14 - Orono Weekly Times Wednesday, December 1, 2010 O'TOOLE Continued from pg 12 a copy so that you can sign it and perhaps collect signatures from other concerned friends, neighbours and family. I may be reached at 905697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org More Bad News on Rising Electricity Costs The McGuinty Government has admitted the hydro bill for an average Ontario family is going to double over the 20-year life of the government's new energy plan announced last week. Opposition Leader Tim Hudak pointed out in Question Period that the Task Force on Competitiveness Productivity and Economic Progress says the government grossly understated what Ontario families are going to pay. All of this is on top of the 75% increase in hydro rates that has occurred under the watch of the current government. Durham Riding residents will be pleased to learn that the 20year plan still includes refurbishment of Ontario's nuclear generating stations and the addition of two new reactors at the Darlington Generating Station. That being said, I am disappointed that there wasn't a greater sense of urgency and priority for the nuclear energy program along with the jobs and opportunities it brings our Region and our province. The government's longrange energy plan says nuclear power will account for about half of the electricity supply, as is currently the case. Shouldn't this important baseload power supply precedent over the government's expensive energy experiments? Anyone interested in commenting on the electricity plan can visit the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) web site at www.ebr.gov.on.ca 367 Senior Public Servants Exceed Pay Caps The Official Opposition revealed last week that 367 senior Ontario bureaucrats receive salaries exceeding the maximum remuneration available for their position. This group includes over half of Ontario's Deputy Ministers. Opposition Leader Tim Hudak raised the issue in Question Period. He said the salary cap established by the government for deputy ministers is $220,000; and $168,000 and for Assistant Deputy Ministers. Ontario families are paying higher taxes and experiencing cuts to frontline healthcare while 367 executives in the Ontario Public Service exceed their salary caps. This is further evidence that the provincial government is failing to invest taxpayers' money in frontline services where it will do the most good for all Ontario. Pre-Budget Consultations Announced The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will conduct prebudget consultations this winter, in preparation for the release of the final provincial budget before the 2011 Ontario election. Public hearings are scheduled for the week of January 24, 2011 as well as January 31 and February 1. I look forward to participating in the hearings. Anyone wishing to be considered to make an oral presentation should contact the Clerk of the Committee by 5 p.m. Monday, January 17. Written submissions will be received until Tuesday, February 1, at 5 p.m. Further information is available online at the Ontario Legislature website, located at www.ontla.on.ca . Go to the Committees page for further details. I would appreciate being copied on any comments you or your organization plan on making regarding the next Ontario budget. Or, if you need more details about participating in the budget consultation, please give me a call. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 and by email at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org. Water and Energy Bills Receive Third Reading In the Ontario Legislature last week, the Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act (Bill 72) received third reading, along with the Bill 109 legislation governing Ontario's Energy and Property Tax Credit. Church Directory Reverend Ceri Rees 111 Church St. N. 905-485-5502 orono.uc@rogers.com Orono United Church Rev. James Feairs, Minister Newcastle United Church 84 Mill St. S., 905-987-4515 newcastleunitedchurch@bellnet.ca Nursery Care Provided Wheelchair Accessible Sunday, Dec 5 Service begins at 11:00 a.m. Second Sunday in Advent Sunday school & Nursery Room Provided. Everyone Welcome! Wheelchair Accessible Sunday, December 5 10:30 am Worship, Advent II, Communion, Faith in Motion Rotation (5-teen) "Preparing", computer & movie Workshops Welcome New Friends! Anglican Churches Rev. Canon David R. Saunders, CD St. Saviour's - Orono 27 Mill Street · 905-987-2019 9:30 a.m. - Worship, Sunday School Y outh Group · Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday · Morning Prayer - 2nd & 4th Sunday · Coffee and Fellowship to follow New Website: www.stsavioursorono.ca St. George's - Newcastle 250 Mill St. S. · 905-987-2019 8 a.m. - Commumion 11:15 a.m. - Worship , Sunday School Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday · Morning Prayer 2nd & 4th Sunday Coffee and Fellowship to follow