HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2001-10-10, Page 9Ontario
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Mike Harris
Ontario's Premier
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THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2001. PAGE 9.
A MESSAGE OF
HOPE AND ACTION
The events of September 11 were devastating tragedies and the people of Ontario
responded generously, lending heartfelt support to those suffering sorrow and pain.
To everyone who reached out with condolences, who donated blood, who gave money or
found other ways to help the victims and families of these terrorist acts - thank'you.
If ever there was a time when America needed a friend, it is now.
You didn't hesitate. You responded immediately. So did your government.
Since September 11, we've taken swift, action to protect
our people, our province, and our economy:
Protecting Our People
• We appointed Norman Inkster, retired commissioner
of the RCMP, as well as retired Major-General
Lewis Mackenzie as provincial security advisors.
• We are undertaking a thorough -review of Ontario's
emergency response plans.
• We will require all municipalities to maintain emergency
response plans and train their employees.
• We will work with owners and operators of large buildings
and public facilities to develop appropriate emergency
response programs.
Protecting Our Province
• We will quickly introduce legislation tojncrease security
for documents such as birth certificates.
• We're establishing a special police unit to assist federal
officers in tracking down criminal offenders who are in
Ontario illegally, and we'll aggressively seek their
deportation.
• We will work with the federal government to ensure that any
person who requires high security while awaiting immigration
hearings is detained in a maximum security institution.
Protecting Our Economy
• We're calling for co-ordinated customs procedures
and the creation of a common North America-wide
security perimeter.
• We will introduce legislation to accelerate cuts in
personal income taxes as well as corporate income and
capital taxes.
• We're requesting meetings with New York Governor
George Pataki and the other Great Lakes Governors as well
as business leaders to boost trade and economic growth.
Ontario is prepared to weather uncertain times.
Ontario's economy is strong. In fact, we are in better shape to weather a period of economic uncertainty than
we ever have been. And while Ontario is already a very safe place to live, when it comes to jobs, safety and
our economy, there is always more we can do. And we are working hard to do it.
We have enormous pride and confidence in the people of Ontario, in their compassion for others,
in their courage and character, and in their entrepreneurial spirit.
Working together, we know we will achieve the bright, prosperous future the people of Ontario want and deserve.
We want you to know that your government will continue to do everything possible to protect your jobs,
our economy, our province - and you.