Getting Our Money’s Worth from Ontario Agencies

As Ontario struggles with a $16 billion deficit, it’s time ensure the province’s 630 agencies, boards and commissions are providing value to taxpayers.

“Every agency, board and commission must be reviewed to ensure it provides quality service to Ontarians. The guiding principle must be as follows: If an agency works, then government should leave it alone. If it’s broken, fix it. If it cannot justify its existence, it goes.

As Accountability Critic in our PC Caucus, I had the opportunity last week to speak at Queen’s Park on the need to review and to reform Ontario’s agencies, boards and commissions. You may recall that Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak introduced legislation last year calling for a mandatory performance review of every bureaucracy. It was supported by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the National Citizens Coalition, and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. The McGuinty government defeated this legislation.

To put the issue in perspective, ask yourself how many Ontarians can name just five of the 630 agencies, boards and commissions receiving funds from Ontario taxpayers? We have reached the point where almost any combination of letters in the alphabet will spell out a provincial agency.  That’s why PC Leader Tim Hudak introduced legislation calling for a review.

Last week, the Ontario PC Caucus once again called on the McGuinty government to adopt our jobs and economy plan in order to find much-needed savings of taxpayers’ money. If the Premier is out of ideas, he is welcome to adopt our plan, which includes a public sector wage freeze and reforms of the apprenticeship system to create 200,000 new job opportunities.

A few examples of other Ontario PC Caucus policies for making government leaner, more efficient, and more accountable to Ontario families for public spending include a mandatory public sector wage freeze and an immediate annual two per cent reduction to ministry budgets, excluding health and education. In calling for a top-to-bottom review of all spending areas, including health and education, we must find efficiencies for reinvestment in priority programs and determine “nice to have” versus “must have” programs.

Summer Company Program Opens for 2012

Ontario students have a chance to be their own boss and create their own summer job through Ontario’s Summer Company 2012 program. Applications are now being accepted. This is an exciting opportunity for students 15 to 29 years of age who want to start their own company. If your application is accepted, you’ll be eligible to receive up to $1,500 to put towards start-up costs and $1,500 upon successful completion of the program. Hands-on business coaching, training and mentoring are part of the Summer Company experience. Remember to apply early, since space is limited.

More information is available from the Business Advisory Centre Durham. They may be reached at www.bacd.ca or toll-free at 1-866-632-5151.

Ontario 2012 Fishing Guidelines Available

The latest information on recreational fishing in Ontario is now available in a book format and online. The booklet, which includes a summary of information on fishing licences and fishing laws, can be found at the Ministry of Natural Resources web site, www.mnr.gov.on.ca . We also have copies of the booklet at my Constituency Office. For further information, please call my office at (905) 697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433. Our e-mail address is john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.. Many Ontarians may not be aware that Ontario’s world-class fishery reels in almost $2.5 billion for the Ontario economy. Every dollar anglers spend on licences goes to a special purpose account used for fish and wildlife management. You can visit www.ontario.ca/fishing  to plan your next fishing adventure. The next family fishing weekend is February 18 – 20. The hours from 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Monday (Feb. 18 – 20, 2012) are designated as Ontario Family Fishing Weekend license-free fishing days. During all other periods, most Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 years must purchase an Outdoors Card and a fishing license to legally fish in Ontario.

RRSPs Vs. Tax-Free Savings Accounts

With income tax season approaching, many Ontarians are especially aware of how they have invested, saved and spent their money in the past year. Here are a few thoughts about the value of RRSPs, compared with tax-free savings accounts. Tax-free savings accounts do allow you to grow your retirement savings without a big tax clawback when those funds are withdrawn. And, although there are significant withholding taxes on RRSPs, the fact remains that RRSPs represent a form of forced savings. All legitimate forms of savings are to be encouraged. However, TFSAs may be a little too easy to access for many consumers, especially when they are making a big purchase and need some quick cash. RRSPs have more staying power and, of course, they are an important tool for Canadians who need to reduce their income tax bill. The savings vehicle that is best for you depends on your own financial situation and your goals for the future. But first, it’s important to get all the facts. We must all save for a rainy day.

2012 is International Year of Co-operatives

The 2012 International Year of Co-operatives was officially launched in Canada last Thursday, January 12. Co-operatives, credit unions, and supporters in 14 cities across Canada took part in the celebration. It is estimated that a billion people around the world are part of the co-operative movement. More information on the International Year of Co-operatives is at www.canada2012.coop. You can find details about co-operatives in Ontario at www.ontario.coop.