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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2016-02-17, Page 44 News Record • Wednesday, February 17, 2016 riTro ro-7 www.clintonnewsrecord.com NowsCl Record PUBLISHED WEEKLY — EST. 1860 53 Albert St. P.O. 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AO Canada Member of the Canadian Community CnaNewspaper Association and the Ontario Community Newspapers Association Strike right balance on infrastructure Postmedia Network The mayors of Canada's biggest cities are giving two thumbs up to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's historically massive infrastructure plan. And we don't blame them. But let's make sure we don't get carried away. We still need to strike the right balance when it comes to accountability. On February 5, the PM met with the mayors of the country's 21 larg- est cities for an hour and the feed- back was gushing. The relationship between cities and the feds is "on a massive ascend- ancy," Toronto Mayor John Tory said. "Everything has changed," enthused Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. "We're very much aligned in terms of flexibility and urgency to move the investment into infra- structure," added Vancouver's Gregor Robertson. The government is planning to spend $125 billion on infrastruc- ture over 10 years. Much of this will be in cities, the PM has signalled. That's a good thing. In 1851 our population was 87 per cent rural, 13 per cent urban. But by 2011 census data showed that had reversed -- with 81 per cent of Canadians living in an urban setting. It's in urban areas that elections are won and lost because that's where the ridings are. It's where the population resides. Many of the added ridings in the 2015 elec- tion were in cities. Perhaps the one campaign pledge most known by the elector- ate was Trudeau's promise to dou- ble infrastructure spending. It's arguably the one he has the great- est mandate to fulfill. Last month Infrastructure Min- ister Amarjeet Sohi told media his "focus is to listen, learn and see how we can design our plan to be flexible enough to recognize there are great needs and needs differ from region to region." No wonder the mayors are lov- ing it! It sounds like they're getting carte blanche to spend the money how they see fit. There are some respects in which the approach is superior to the Conservative's Economic Action Plan stimulus funding. That government handpicked many REUTERS/Chris Wattle Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a news conference following a meeting with mayors of major Canadian cities on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, February 5, 2016. small projects and it had the optics of being more about rewarding or wooing voters than about making the best economic decisions. What we need to be financing are the big ticket items -- like tran- sit -- that get the best bang for our buck in terms of planting the seeds for future prosperity. Trudeau seems to appreciate this. However Sohi also said the plan will have "broad parameters." But if they're too broad, accountability will suffer. Before spending begins, Liberals need to find the balance. On 2-1-1 Day residents are encouraged to make the right call Special to Clinton News Record February 11 is 2-1-1 Day across North America. To mark this day, United Way Perth -Huron and 211 Ontario helpline are asking resi- dents to make the right call (#MakeTheRightCall) if they want or need help. 211 continues to be a valuable resource in both Perth and Huron Counties. 211 is the information and refer- ral service that provides reliable information on community and social services. 211 is answered live, 24 -hours a day, every day of the year including holidays and is available in over 170 languages. 211 is answered by trained spe- cialists who have access to infor- mation about local community services and can refer callers to supports near them. This includes municipal social services as well as community, social, health and government programs. Ryan Erb, Executive Director for United Way Perth -Huron says "211 is an important resource for our community; one place to find the information and referrals to help with many of life's challenges. United Way is proud to have brought the service to this region and proud to continue supporting it:' Locally, 211 is supported by United Way Perth -Huron (UWPH) and administered by PF Solutions, a United Way supported part- ner. United Way's commitment to the 211 service ensures that local data meets 211 standards and remains accurate and current, so that callers receive the most up-to- date information possible and can confidently access the assistance they need. "United Way is available to attend any community meetings in Perth or Huron to explain the 211 service," offered Susan Faber, Director of Community Services at United Way Perth -Huron. "I find that when I give examples of how 211 has helped members of our community, the service becomes clearer. I urge members of the community to contact United Way to request a short presentation," advised Ms. Faber. More information about 211: • 211 is also available on-line at www.211 ontario.ca • Calls to 211 are anonymous and confidential. • 211 is available 24/7 • 211 is available in many languages • 211 is on Social Media: Twitter: @211ontario and Facebook: face- book.com/2110ntario/info What kind information is available? With information from more than 56,000 services and agencies across the province of Ontario, assistance can be provided on a wide range of topics. These include, but are not limited to: • abuse (including sexual assault) • hild and family services • consumer protection and complaints • emergency and crisis services • employment, education and training • financial assistance • food and clothing • general community services • health • homelessness • housing • legal issues • seniors • settlement and newcomer services • youth services "211 is Canada's one -stop -shop to connect Canadians to services that are often provided by charities and non -profits -- partners who rely on 211 to reach the community in most cost-effective and accessible way," said Dr. Jacline Nyman, President and CEO for United Way Canada. When people don't know where to turn, 211 is there for them. 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