Tay Report January 31 for February 4, 2011

MPP DUNLOP PRESSING FOR CONTINUED FUNDING FOR LITERACY

The McGuinty Liberal Government is about to close the door on much needed community literacy groups and programs across the province.

The way it stands now literacy programs in Ontario will see a significant reduction in funding this year. When the McGuinty Liberals announced funding two years ago for community literacy groups, it was part of a labour market agreement with the federal government.  The agreement allowed for monetary adjustments each year based on inflation. This meant dollar increases each year that should not be eliminated.

In March of 2009 after a long and difficult decade of static funding and a resolution by myself , passed in the house calling for increased funding, literacy programs in Ontario received an injection of $90 million over two years.

The McGuinty Liberal Government took credit two years ago for funding for literacy programs and now they are blaming the federal government and saying it was part of a stimulus package.

By refusing to provide increased funding to literacy programs, McGuinty is cutting the programs to 1997 funding levels. The Government of Ontario should provide adequate funding to community based literacy and basic skills programs so that the agencies can provide the necessary tools to Ontarians in order to keep them employable. The funding cuts will put many agencies in jeopardy and will mean closures.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you about my 11th Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser set for February 5, 2011. The event runs from 8 a.m. -12 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Orillia. Proceeds go to Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. I hope to see you there!