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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, July 22, 2016 | 22 Ontario Finance Minister talks business with chambers by Kathy Yanchus Metroland West Media The Ontario government is poised to balance the books next year, according to the province's finance minister. With a focus on jobs and growth that build opportunity and security, the Liberals have laid out a "responsible path to balance," said Charles Sousa in a breakfast speech to the Burlington, Oakville and Milton chambers of commerce Thursday (July 21) at the Burlington Convention Centre. "Growth today cannot come at the expense of tomorrow, so we're following and achieving our path to balance. Ontario's deficit will be eliminated in 2017/18." In the first quarter of 2016, the province's economy continued to rally from recovery to growth, with exports, household spending and business investments all increasing, propelling our economy "to the front of the pack," said Sousa. Unemployment is now below pre-recession levels and as the nation's most innovative province, Ontario attracts half of all venture capital in Canada, he added. "At the half-way mark of 2016, indicators and forecasts both show an Ontario economy that's continuing to grow and create jobs. Our economy is headed in the right direction." Investing in skills and training, as well as in infrastructure, ensuring a competitive business plan and a fair society are the cornerstones of the province's plan for growth. "Underlining those pillars is that path to balance, controlling our spending, going line by line to make sure we're spending effectively without sacrificing those very programs that are important to Ontarians," said Sousa. Balancing the budget will also mean going after the underground economy and providing proper investments to grow the GDP , he said. At the Burlington Convention Centre on July 21, Finance Minister Charles Sousa addressed Burlington, Oakville and Milton chambers of commerce about topics like employment, pension and financial aid for post-secondary education. | photo by Catarina Muia ­ special to the Beaver Alongside balancing the books and eliminating the deficit is controlling the debt, which according to the financial accountability office, is expected to rise by more than $50 billion by 2020/21 to $350 billion, said Tim Caddigan, who emceed a brief Q-and-A following Sousa's speech. "But the quantum of debt is not the number in isolation that has to be looked at, it's also the degree of economic well-being of the province, the GDP ," said Sousa. Ontario's GDP is close to $800 billion today, and as the debt is growing relative to GDP , the Province is investing in capital infrastructure, he said. "That path to balance is an indication of our ability to afford the debt we take on, while ensuring that we provide opportunities and competitiveness to future generations. Managing spending is critical." The Liberals' Building Ontario agenda has included investments in roads and highways, as well as schools and community hospitals, such as Oakville Trafalgar, Joseph Brant, and Milton District hospitals, said Sousa. Oakville, Burlington and Milton play a vital role in Ontario's economy, he added. "You're a driving force for Ontario's economy and we recognize we must continue to build on this strength." In response to a question about whether or not proceeds from planned HOT lanes running through Oakville/Burlington, will be dedicated to investments easing gridlock, specifically in the region, Sousa said all proceeds will be re-invested in improving congestion and highway systems within those communities. "In reality, it's not a tremendous amount of proceeds that are going to be made from the HOT lanes today, but it's important that we have it all re-invested. "Congestion is a real problem for us. In order for us to be really competitive, we need to ease access throughout that corridor." Authentic Montessori at its Best - For Ages 18 mo.-12 yrs. · An empowering curriculum that engages children · Individual focus to learning your child's · Community atmosphere that makes students feel included and valued · Creative expression allows your child to explore their own interests and talents "Each space reflects the professionalism, pride and dedication of everyone in the school." -CCMA Accreditation Team A Fern Hill head start begins at age 3. FAIRVIEW GLEN 905.634.0781 · fairviewglen.com MONTESSORI SCHOOL Recognized as one of Canada's finest elementary schools, Fern Hill provides the educational foundation that gives back for years to come. An environment where ideas, thinking and confidence flourish, opening doors and a world of opportunities. It's the academic equivalent of a head start. Register for preschool today. fernhillschool.com