THUNDER BAY – Regional – Tim Hudak says “Ontario is going backwards, especially in the North”. The Ontario Progressive Conservative leader adds, “Balance the books, lower taxes, lower energy rates, and modernize Ontario’s labour laws”. Doing each of those things, Hudak says will stop Ontario’s job losses and start moving the province forward again. “I am hoping for the best, with new Liberal leader Kathleen Wynne,” added Hudak.
Tim Hudak – Focus on Jobs
The PC leader called the new Liberal leader and Premier Designate on Saturday night, and also sat down with her for a talk on Tuesday. Hudak’s focus is on jobs. “Lets keep the focus, we could lose jobs here”.
Looking forward Hudak says the “The McGuinty Legacy has to stop”. Pointing to the energy program, that has raised power rates, the high spending and the scandals, Hudak worries that Ontario is losing too many good opportunities.
Looking toward the relationship with Aboriginal communities, Hudak believes that the PCs and Aboriginal leaders share the same vision of creating jobs. Hudak says that there should be a sharing of the mineral resources. However his main focus is in getting jobs going, especially in the Ring of Fire.
Looking at the bigger picture, on issues regarding some of the concerns First Nations leaders have expressed; in particular the 1763 Royal Proclamation, Hudak promises to look into the issue.
“My Ontario will always mine, process and build things in demand around the world, and I’ll put our workers up against anyone,” Hudak said. “But in the Northwest, our advantages have been beaten down by high taxes, unaffordable energy costs and rigid labour laws.” That’s got to change, Hudak stressed, if we are to capitalize on the forecast global increase in consumer demand for our products as developing countries grow their economies.
“Thunder Bay has a strong foundation for 21st century manufacturing,” Hudak said. “But to get ready, we need lower taxes on job creators, more affordable electricity and more flexible workplace rules.”
Paths to Prosperity
The Ontario PCs have put forward a series of White Papers outlining the Party’s solutions to move forward in Ontario.
While other provinces’ economies have rebounded from the recession, Ontario’s growth is slow and its unemployment stubbornly high. The jobless rate continues its five year streak of exceeding the national average. A net total of 300,000 jobs have been lost in our vital manufacturing industries under the current government’s approach.
Ontario is at a crucial inflection point. We need swift action on two parallel tracks. First, we must set clear priorities and reduce excess government spending. Second, and equally important, we must restart sustainable economic growth. This action will require a comprehensive, integrated plan committed to fresh ideas that get the economic fundamentals right.
Paths to Prosperity – Labour Market Ontario PC White Paper by James Murray
