Provincial agencies receiving taxpayer money will be asked to reduce spending a bit more this year.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford indicates instead the onus next year will be on organizations like the District 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.” He insists there’s been no provincial downloading and the government continues to invest in area communities while controlling spending.
The Conservative member is responding to local concerns that municipalities will be required to pay for certain services in the event of future provincial cuts. “There’s been no downloading. I understand all the buzz words people like to use, but as far as I’m concerned, they’re very pleased with the targeted focused investments that we’ve made, and trying to reel in some of our spending.”
He stresses Ontario has the largest deficit and debt of any sub-national government and stresses that needs to change.
