Sterling flattered McGuinty stole his idea, wonders what took so long

(Kanata, Ontario) – McGuinty’s announcement of an Eastern Ontario Economic Development Fund today claims to deliver something Norm Sterling, MPP for Carleton-Mississippi Mills, has been demanding since 2005.  Unfortunately, the Premier has put little money behind the idea. 

“I am flattered that he stole my idea but I’m afraid that Eastern Ontarians may find that there is little substance behind this announcement,” said Mr. Sterling.  “Today’s announcement promises $80 Million over four years – compare that to the $70 Million per year that the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund receives.” 

McGuinty made this announcement in the wake of last week’s data from Statistics Canada which showed that Ontario had lost 46,000 full-time jobs in the month of June.    

“This is simply too little, too late,” said Mr. Sterling.  “For months we in the opposition have been calling on the McGuinty government to do something to stop the flood of jobs leaving Ontario.  I suggested this idea three years ago, when it could have made a difference.  But now, the jobs are already gone, the plants are closed and people have started moving away.” 

This announcement makes it obvious that McGuinty doesn’t have is own ideas for how to help Ontario’s economy, so, as Ontario PC Party Leader John Tory said today, McGuinty should be holding an economic summit to listen to other ideas to help Ontario’s economy. 

Mr. Sterling first introduced the concept of an Eastern Ontario Economic Development Fund as a Private Members’ Bill on April 13, 2005 and it was debated in April 2005 and again in May 2006.  On both occasions the Bill passed second reading but was left by the McGuinty government to die while awaiting committee hearings and third reading. 

-30-

For more information, call Carleton-Mississippi Mills MPP Norm Sterling at: (613) 599-3000