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Orono Weekly Times - 11 Wednesday, June 30, 2004 Staying in Touch Highlights from the Spring Session at Queen's Park One of the Ontario Legislature's most controversial controversial sessions adjourned last Thursday. Broken promises, the new health tax and the de-listing of health services were among the issues most important to Durham Riding and to most Ontarians. The most disappointing change was the cancellation of OHIP coverage for chiropractic chiropractic care, physiotherapy and eye exams as well as the new health tax. A typical Ontario family will pay close to $1,000 more per year in taxes as a result of the latest . budget. Ontario citizens remain disappointed and MPP John O'Toole angry over a government that would promise no tax increase on the campaign trail and then hand Ontarians one of the largest tax increases increases in Ontario's history. Despite what some may think, there were positive initiatives initiatives from Queen's Park this spring. One of these was an immunization program against chicken pox, meningitis meningitis and pneumococcal disease disease for Ontario children. My colleague, Elizabeth Witmer, former Minister of Health, introduced a private member's member's bill that also called for immunization. Last Thursday, Thursday, the House passed Sandy's Law, which is legislation legislation protecting children against fetal alcohol syn- i\iow available in Clarington only at îïïUüiiun FRED'S AUTOBODY 163 Baseline Road, Unit 1 Bowm anvil le, Ontario L1C 3L4 Tel: (905) 623-6353 Fax: 905-623-3913 E-mail: FAB@on.albn.com Fred DeVries, owner • FREE ESTIMATES •COMPETITIVE RATES •INSURANCE CLAIMS Complete Collision Repair, Restoration and Refinishing Wood Celebration 5S; drome. The law was introduced introduced by MPP Ernie Parsons. It amends the Liquor Licence Act by requiring signs cautioning cautioning pregnant women against consumption of alcohol. alcohol. While the Legislature has adjourned, consultation and committee meetings continue throughout the summer. As opposition energy critic, I look forward to the consultation consultation process on the government's government's plan to reform the electricity sector through its Bill 100 legislation. There are aspects of the legislation - - such as an increased emphasis on conservation as well as the pursuit of renewable renewable energy such as wind and water -- that are worthwhile. On the other hand, measures measures such as the creation of the new Ontario Power Authority will represent one more layer of bureaucracy that does little to keep the lights on. Bill 100 also gives too much power to the Ontario government government to further increase electricity electricity rates for residential customers. Our sincere thanks for the lovely cards, gifts, best wishes, and your presence at our 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 12, at Orono Community Centre. Special thanks to our family for all their help, it was greatly appreciated, 1 hank you to Boyd and Doreen who chauffercd us to the hall in their 31 Model A Ford. Thanks also to the arena fund-raising committee for the wonderful lunch they prepared and served. Keith and Helen Wood WORTH 1,000 WORDS AND MORE 'pûŸtŸalts Your family, your pets, your home Margaret Booth Assoc., Ont. College of Art and Design 905-786-9886 Funds for Trillium Foundation Reduced The Provincial government government appears ready to cut $5.5 million from funds earmarked earmarked for charities and nonprofit nonprofit groups through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. My colleague, MPP Norm Sterling, has called the provincial government to account for reducing Trillium Foundation grants. These grants are important because they help grassroots non-profit organizations working in areas such as culture, culture, sports, recreation, and arts. The recent Cartwright Fields complex is but one example of projects supported supported not only by the generosity of volunteers, but also by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The previous government earmarked $100 million annually to charities through gaming revenue. In my view, this is money that is wisely invested by community groups. The Official Opposition does not want to. see even a penny of Trillium Foundation funds diverted away from Ontario commu nities. We will fight for restoration of Trillium Foundation funding. Happy Canada Day! At the time this column is being written, the federal election is just a few days away, and Canadians are eagerly awaiting results. I would like to pay tribute to all those who participated in the national election, whether as candidates, volunteers, Elections Canada staff or voters. This right to a free exchange of ideas and a free election is one of the many things we celebrate on Canada Day, July 1. I look forward to the celebrations celebrations and the opportunity to meet neighbours from across the Riding at Canada Day events. For most of us, Canada Day marks the official official start of the summer. I would also like to congratulate congratulate the many students who have completed their current year and the graduates who are moving on to higher education education or to join thé workforce. workforce. OPG SALUTES ITS TOP ACHIEVERS "Excellence is not an act, but a habit..." Aristotle Every year OPG honours a select group of employees who have made a significant contribution to the performance of our company. These employees all have one thing in common. They are passionately committed to excellence - both on and off the job. This year at our annual Power Within Achievement Awards, we honoured 57 such individuals for their exceptional achievements in support of our corporate goals and values. Below are the winners from OPG's Pickering and Darlington Nuclear Stations. OPG congratulates these outstanding men and women and thanks them for their contribution. COMMUNITY SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS - Harold Marcotte Tom Smart Recognizing employees for exceptional commitment and service to their community. HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD WINNERS - Greg Jackson Mike Doherty Frank Howie Ray Duff Recognizing employees who have demonstrated demonstrated excellence in health and safety well beyond expected performance. PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE/ CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD WINNERS - Ian Lake Yves Ouellette Kyle Mulligan Rick Bolton Neil Taylor Mark Severin Rob Kelly Gary Schmid Recognizing employees who demonstrate an extraordinary level of excellence in their work. LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNER - Bill Schlitt Recognizing individuals who have been identified by their fellow employees as visionary leaders who motivate, inspire and build strong teams. putting our energy to good use www.opg.com ONTARIOPGwEB GENERATION