More Frank Klees Policy Ideas
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
In a recession, the McGuinty government has mandated that more products and services be taxed. With the implementation of the HST, the McGuinty government has demonstrated its addiction to taxing and spending. Ontarians don’t need any more deterrents to economic prosperity and job creation. I will continue to vigorously oppose the implementation of the HST. If Dalton McGuinty refuses to listen and the HST is implemented, I will fight to reduce the sales tax burden to all Ontarians.
A Business-Friendly Ontario
McGuinty’s tenure has made it more difficult to run a business. Increased taxes have made Ontario’s corporate tax rate among the highest in North America. I will propose a reduction in business taxes and the creation of tax incentive zones to attract new industries and create jobs.
Tax Incentives for Manufacturing
Manufacturers in Ontario have not felt today’s economic challenges since the early ‘90s, if not the late ‘30s. I will propose a tax credit against corporate income taxes for new manufacturing jobs in order to assist in the creation of new jobs.
No Tax on Severance
Many Ontarians are experiencing the hardship of job loss today. Government should not benefit from taxing the severance income of the unemployed. To lessen the difficulty of being unemployed I will propose to declare a tax amnesty on severance payments.
Northern Ontario Broadband
One of the greatest economic challenges facing Northern Ontario is the lack of a reliable broadband communications network. I will propose the implementation of reliable broadband communication networks to assist northern communities to realize their economic potential.
Tourism
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, but it is not presently being tapped as a source for economic prosperity. I will propose that the ministries of Tourism and Natural Resources be designated as priorities in order to improve destination marketing and celebrate our natural environment.
Addressing Student Needs
Rather than pass legislation that makes it illegal for our youth to drop out of high school, let’s give them something to drop into! I will propose that we review education policy to ensure all of our students have the opportunity to pursue the education and training best suited to them so that they can reach their full potential.
No Faith-Based Private School Funding
A Frank Klees government will not allocate tax dollars to fund faith-based private schools in Ontario. I will focus instead on improving a public education system with the highest of standards and leading edge facilities.
Graduation “Head Start”
Following graduation from post-secondary institutions, the toughest jobs for any students are finding secure, long-term employment and paying off debt. I will propose a 4-year Ontario income tax holiday for graduates from universities, colleges and trade schools.
Assisting Special Needs Children and Their Families
No Ontario family should be forced to mortgage their home or go into debt to provide their child with the very basic needs and skills of life. Whether they are students with learning disabilities, hearing or sight impairments, physical disabilities or children with autism, I will address the inequities in the treatment of special needs students once and for all and ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity to become the best they can be.
Anti-bullying Strategies
Children’s safety in schools is of paramount importance to parents. I will propose that we enhance anti-bullying strategies in schools in order to protect students and assist administrators and teachers to prevent and resolve bullying incidents.
Innovation
Health care in Ontario can benefit from private sector innovation within the guidelines of the Canada Health Act. I am committed to allowing the private sector to contribute to our publicly funded health care system, as long as the services are provided to all Ontarians with an OHIP card.
Financial Accountability
Patients have a right to know how funds are spent in Ontario’s health care system, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that every cent collected under the health tax will be spent on health care, not hidden in general revenues. I will propose the issuance of receipts outlining a description of the services provided and the cost to provide those services when patients leave a hospital or medical clinic.
Accountability Council
Ontarians are confronted with difficult decisions to make on their health throughout their lives. From flu shots to tests and surgeries, patients need to have all the available information to make informed decisions. I will propose the creation of a council that will provide a second opinion to patients in order to address and resolve complex decisions and problems encountered by patients.
E-Health Record System
Establishing an electronic health record system will benefit patients and strengthen Ontario’s health care system. I will establish an efficient electronic health care record system through a detailed and transparent tender process to ensure health care providers throughout Ontario have access to accurate and up-to-date information regarding a patient’s history.
Mental Health Strategy
Mental health issues should not be cause for embarrassment and aren’t discussed as prominently in public as they should be. I will work closely with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to propose the implementation of a comprehensive mental health strategy for Ontario including $200 million for youth mental health services, as recommended by the McMurtry-Curling Report, “Roots of Youth Violence.”
Best Practices in Long-Term Care
Ontario seniors represent an important group in our society and they need to be protected while receiving quality care. I will propose to review long-term care facilities and human resource needs and fully utilize Canadian best practices in the funding and management of long-term care facilities.
Eliminate Local Health Integration Networks (LHINS)
LHINs have been a costly and bureaucratic failure. They are an extra layer of bureaucracy with little to no benefit to the public. I will propose that we replace LHINs with front line health care services to increase accountability and reduce LHIN’s unnecessary costs and inefficiencies.
Long-term Planning
A proactive, instead of reactive approach to planning is required if Ontario is to remain competitive in the world economy. I will appoint a Minister responsible for Long-Term Planning with the responsibility of coordinating planning and projects across every Ministry in the Ontario government.
Trans-Ontario High-Speed Rail
Economic prosperity is dependent on efficient and affordable transportation. I will propose the development of a trans-Ontario high-speed rail link connecting east, west, north and south to facilitate efficient travel and additional commerce.
Infrastructure
The Ontario government must do whatever it can to improve our economic performance. I will provide stable, predictable and reliable funding for transportation infrastructure projects endorsed by our government.
Inclusive Ontario
Ontario is fortunate to have a multicultural society that contributes to the success of our Province. These diverse cultural groups need to be engaged in the political process and not taken for granted. I will continue to reach out, connect, and involve Ontarians of all backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures to partner with government to achieve its collective goals.
Accountability in Green Energy
Ontario’s energy policy must be based upon respect for local government, respect for individual property rights and the use of competitive solicitation to procure all types of power – none of these principles can be found in the McGuinty Green Energy Act. I will propose an energy policy that embraces renewable energy as an important component of Ontario’s overall energy supply and will ensure that green energy projects such as wind turbines will require consultation with local governments and their communities.
Affordable and Sustainable Energy
A prosperous economy requires an energy supply that is stable, cost-effective and reliable. Ontario’s energy supply meets none of these criteria, and the McGuinty government has unnecessarily created policies that will dramatically increase power prices for those who need it most: households, institutions and businesses. I will pursue affordable and sustainable energy that will allow renewable generators to be a part of a balanced mix of electricity generation through a competitive process.
