The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River stresses there’s been no provincial downloading and the government continues to invest in area communities while controlling spending.
Greg Rickford is responding to local concerns that municipalities could be asked to foot the bill for social services and health care in the new year.
Instead, the Conservative member says the onus will be on organizations like the Northwestern Health Unit.
“Ultimately, every agency that receives taxpayer money should find efficiencies. We’ve been able to do that without cutting programs. We’ve increased investments in health and education.
Rickford notes a compelling case was made that this isn’t the time to ask health agencies to find 4% in internal savings and they honoured that request.
“We’re encouraging the Health Unit to act responsibility with taxpayer dollars and focus on their core mandates. That said, the municipalities have received generous new funding to help ensure that they are a modern organization that can run and plan for their town or their city.”
Rickford says he believes local leaders are very pleased with the targeted investments the government has made and efforts to reel-in spending.
He stresses Ontario has the largest deficit and debt of any sub-national government and stresses that needs to change.
However, Rickford notes they won’t sacrifice programs and services that are important to local residents.
