| MPP
Arnott Introduces Resolution to Eliminate Debt as Legislature
Reopens
The Lieutenant Governor delivered the first Speech from
the Throne to the members of the new Ontario Legislature
on November 20th 2003, opening the first session of
the 38th Parliament.
Among
the first items placed on the list of business for the
Legislature is the need for a debt retirement plan,
says Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott.
Mr.
Arnott’s Private Member’s Resolution calls on the Ontario
government to pay off the provincial debt, which stands
at approximately $110 billion, over 25 years. He is
scheduled to debate his resolution in the Legislature
on December 4, 2003.
“My belief is that the Liberal government should balance
their budget this year. Then, they should enact a 25-year
plan to retire the debt starting next fiscal year,”
said Mr. Arnott.
Mr.
Arnott also noted that the Throne Speech touched on
some of the issues he will be dealing with as PC Critic
for the Ministry of Children’s Services and the Ministry
of Citizenship and Immigration.
“There was so little said about children and families
that the government seems to be missing an opportunity,”
said Mr. Arnott. “There was almost no vision of where
the province wants to go in order to enable children
to achieve their full potential in life.”
“I
welcome the intent to work with the federal government
on an immigration and labour market development agreement,
and the plan to bring in legislation for Ontarians with
disabilities. The government has made general commitments
and more details will be needed in the near future,”
he said.
“The
Liberal Throne Speech was not a foundation upon which
a positive vision for our future can be based. They
are trying to inflate the size of the deficit as a political
strategy, dampen expectations on their spending promises,
and leave the back door open so they can tax and spend
like there’s no tomorrow. They are trying to create
a crisis,” concluded Mr. Arnott.
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