Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece demanded answers from the government on a range of local issues as members returned to
Queens Park.
“The government continues to ignore the concerns we’ve raised,” said Pettapiece. “I’m asking the government to explain, in writing, why it has delayed providing funding to local municipalities, and what its policies are on local transit and connecting links.”
Pettapiece submitted his Order Paper questions in the legislature – questions which also address local health care and, GO transit, and “the government’s failure to respond to area municipalities’ requests for assistance” to cover ice storm damage.
“I’m still getting many calls from people who do not have a family doctor, through no fault of their own,” said Pettapiece. “That’s why I’ve asked the Minister of Health how long people in Perth-Wellington have to wait on the government’s Health Care Connect list. The minister must understand that people cannot afford to wait years to find a new physician.”
On transit issues, Pettapiece requested the government clarify its policy on extending GO transit service to Stratford.
Following the Liberals’ decision to cancel the Connecting Link program, they claimed that the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII) would replace it. Pettapiece asked how much of that funding will be dedicated to connecting links.
Pettapiece also took up the cause of municipalities affected by last year’s ice and wind storms. He asked why, after nine months, the Liberals are still holding up funding to assist with clean-up costs.
“In February, the government announced funding was on its way,” he said. “But then they put up more red tape. When will municipalities actually get the help they need?”
The MPP also pointed to the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), a crucial program for small and rural municipalities.
The Liberals have slashed the fund by $35 million, leading Pettapiece to question how this will impact the services that municipalities are obligated by the provincial government to provide.
