Newspaper Article
For Release January 4, 2007

Let me start off by wishing a Happy New Year to all of you, and the best for 2007.

In that spirit, I would like to take this opportunity to spend a few minutes reviewing some of the accomplishments and challenges over the past year.

There have certainly been reasons to be pleased, and one of those came in late November when we heard that - as a result of two years of hard work, pressure and persistence - the Frost Centre will be back in operation.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Renewal has slated the month of June for the re-opening of the Frost Centre.

This is an accomplishment of which I am very proud as it is the result of the tireless efforts by the many dedicated friends of this facility.

As a community, we have brought forward thousands of petitions and requests, which I have been pleased to present to the Ontario Legislative Assembly with respect to the four-lane expansion of Highway 35. We have heard from Ministry of Transportation officials that this project is moving forward. Our work has proven to be successful on this much-needed development.

Another matter, which we have seen a collective effort from local residents is the review request for the Trent-Severn Waterway System. My Federal colleagues, Barry Devolin and Bruce Stanton have been instrumental in getting this brought to the attention of the Federal Government through Mr. Stanton’s motion in September, which was given 100% vote support by members of all parties.

I am glad to see our communities join together to develop working groups with municipalities and myself for successful doctor recruitment initiatives. We are still in need of doctors and health-care professionals and will continue to work together for access to quality health-care for residents.

In the Spring of 2006, I introduced legislation encouraging the use of Speed Limiters on transport trucks, which aims to reduce emissions and increase safety on Ontario Roads. This Bill has subsequently passed second reading.

Our families and young children have been shut out by the McGuinty government of even one single Best Start Child Care space. I have let the Minister know very clearly, that we feel this decision is not what’s best for our children.

Our agricultural community is fully engaged with me in helping keep the pressure on the provincial government for a sustainable, long-term plan for this important industry, which has such a significant economic impact in our riding.

As we move forward in 2007, you will see many new policies forming the platform for John Tory and the PC Party, leading to the election in October.

I look forward to seeing and meeting with many of you in the next number of months and wish to thank you for allowing me the opportunity of being your Member of Provincial Parliament.