The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutTimes-Advocate, 1988-04-27, Page 27Jack's Jottings Provisions in budget By Jack Riddell MPP Huron Ontario's 1988 budget introduces new measures to fund health, edu- cation, housing and social assistance -- while also promoting eco- nomic growth through increased research, development, and invest- ment. The forward looking budget introduced by Treasurer Robert Nixon, also reduces cash requirements to their lowest level in 19 years. The budget- recognizes the government's obligation to invest in those areas that will keep Ontario competitive and sustain and im- prove the quality of life in this province. With the Ontario economy expected to record its sixth straight year of strong economic performance, Mr. Nixon said the government has an obligation to ensure that the people of the province can continue to enjoy a high standard of health care, education and social services. The budget provides: *S900 million over three years to assist with the construction and exransion of elementary and secondary schools. *$430 million over three years to reduce class sizes in grades one ani two, provide additional textbooks and science equipment, and im- prove the availability and teaching of computer technology. *S1.2 million increase in support for health care, which brings spending on health care to $12.7 billion this year. That represents aoout $ 1,350 for every Ontario resident. *S440 million commitment to address urgent capital requirements in Ontario's colleges and universities. *5100 million capital increase for roads and highways. *A research and development super allowance that provides an addi- tional 25 percent deduction on research and development costs for large firms, and 35 percent for small businesses. *S2 billion in Canada Pension Plan funds, available over three to five years, to provide lower-cost financing to non-profit organiza- tions for the creation of 30,000 affordable rental units. Pointing out that federal tax reform has lowered Ontario's yield from personal income tax by $510 million this fiscal year, the Treas- uter introduced measures to raise revenue and improve the overall fairness of the system. As a result, the income tax rebate will rise one percentage point this year and another percentage point in 1989. At the same time, a new tax reduction program will eliminate Ontario income tax for 350,000 low income individuals, while an expanded OHIP premium [assistance program will provide coverage for another 30,000 individ- uals in 1989. Mr. Nixon also pointed out that the government is foregoing $480 million in revenue to maintain the freeze on OHIP premiums in place since 1985. Other revenue measures announced by the Treasurer include a one percentage point increase in the general retail sales tax rate to eight percent effective May 2, and an increase in the levies on spirits, wine and beer, effective May 24. Mr. Nixon also announced an increase in the tobacco tax of one cent per cigarette and 0.6 cents per gram of cut tobacco, effective im- mediately. TIe Treasurer has helped small business deal with the financial and paper burdens associated with capital tax by taking measures to elim- inate this tax for firms with gross revenue and assets both under $1 million. The news was also good for the agricultural community, with fanners receiving additional protection from market fluctuations though increased provincial funding of stabilization funds. With the increases announced in the agricultural budget this year, tie overall increase in spending on agriculture has risen by 86 per- cent since the change of government three years ago. Mr. Nixon said that the prices of farm commodities will stabilize ani costs, including debt servicing, will decline slightly. 'n later columns, I will go into more detail about some of the oth- erinitiatives introduced to help the agricultural community. Occupational health centres announced Two occupational health centres -- one in Hamilton and another in Toronto -- will be established, Labour Minister Gregory Sorbara has amounted. The projects, to be financed over the nextthree years by the Gov- :.rnment, follow a proposal from the Hamilton and District Labour Council and are supported by the Ontario Federation of Labour. The primary goals of the two pilot projects include independent assessment and screening of work-related diseases, improved preven- tion of occupational diseases, and clinical training of occupational health practitioners. "The importance of providing expanded, high quality and dedicated occupational health services for workers has never been greater," Mr. Sorbara said. "It is my hope that these two pilot projects will lay the ground- work -for a significant enhancement of the capacity to provide access- ible and high-quality occupational health services to all Ontario workers," he added. It is expected that the r,, .. facilities will be operational within the next few months. 1 Let Cook's help you maximize it .. economically • N -P -K, micronutrients, custom blending, on-time application, competitive prices, sound advice—Cook's has everything to help you map out a fertility program to get your crop off to a fast start and finish strong. Plan your yield program with the professionals. Jiveion or Gerbro (9 1) Inc "Where you can trade with confidence" Herd 262-2410 Centralo 228-6661 Kirkton 229-8986 Walton 527-1540 887-9261 Times -Advocate, April 27, 1988 Page 7A 'Preventive Maintenance' 4-H topic Ttte fifth meeting of the Huron County Farm Machinery Club was held April 11 at Hyde Bros. in Hen- sall. The topic for the night was "Preventive Maintenance". The meeting opened with a roll call of members to identify substances in jars such as oil, gas, diesel, anti- freeze, etc. OMMB signs agreement The Ontario Milk Marketing Board (OMMB) and the Ontario Cream Producers' Marketing Board (OCPMB) have signed an agree- ment covering a five-year period to allow qualified cream producers to convert to industrial milk produc- tion. Under the National Milk Supply Management Program, Ontario is authorized to produce 53 million kg of butterfat for the industrial market. This represents approxi- mately 1.37 billion litres of milk production. This production is split between the two Boards, with milk producers presently allotted 93.1 percent of the Ontario entitle- ment and cream produccrs allotted the remaining 6.9 percent. Industrial milk, or MSQ, is manufactured into cheese, butter, ice cream and other dairy products. Cream produced on farms (cream MSQ) is manufactured into butter. The members handed in food items and money from tickets in which the proceeds go towards our bus trip to the Milton Agricultural Museum. The night was then handed over to Stu and Barry who stressed the proper intervals for all tractors and related equipment for filter replace- ment and up keep. Stu then talked about oil viscosity, API rating and proper usage of oil. The next meeting will be ne,u cat McGavin's in Walton on April 25. A reminder to all members to bring in any remaining food items and tickets. All parents are welcome to auend. Barrel RESISTANCE FIGHTER • Knocks out triazine-resistant Iamb's quarters and pigweed • Keeps weeds down with residual soil activity • Beats broadleaf competition early with preemergent or early postemergent application Protect your yields with Banvel: Canada's first choice for triazine-resistant broadleaf control in torr yllervictiu,Somas Seaforth 345-2545 Pt. Albert 529-7901 Hensall 262-2527 Ailsa Craig 293-3223 FERTILIZERS Mitchell 348.8433 Granton 225-2360 a'Banvel is a registered trademark of Sandoz ltd Helping you save time... Thompson's can help you maximize the hours in your day this spring with a total supply of farm needs FERTILIZER Standard or custom blended dry fertilizer - 28% & 32% on liquid nitrogen RENTAL EQUIPMENT_. - 5 and 8 tonne dry spreaders - split applicators - full line of delivery equipment CUSTOM APPLICATION SERVICE - Truspread, air flow, liquid sprayers Our weed and Feed Program is available for pre plant or post plant applications. Have your herbicides and nitrogen applied in one trip over the field. HERBICIDES/PESTICIDES/MICRO NUTRIENTS HYLAND BRAND CERTIFIED SEED - Corn, soybeans, white beans, wheat, barley, oats, forages Hyland Brand Certified Seed has been tested throughout North America and Europe to en- sure high yields, standability, proper maturity and reliable grain quality. AGRONOMIC/FERTILITY/MARKETING SERVICES - Helping you reach your objectives Everything you need to run a fast and efficient operation this spring is waiting for you at your nearest W. G. Thompson & Sons Ltd. .branch Hensall 262-2527, Seaforth 345-2545 Mitchell 348-8433, Pt. Albert 529-7901 Aliso Craig 293-3223 Granton 225-2360