In a report in today's Toronto Star, Premier Dalton McGuinty is quoted as saying that the Property Assessments sent out by MPAC in 2008 are "unrealistic," however he will not be directing that they be scrapped.

You would hope that municipal councils would act reasonably and responsibly given the circumstances and recognize that that perhaps was an unrealistic assessment.
Premier Dalton McGuinty in the Toronto Star

Chief Medical Officer Of Health Advises Caution On Deli Meat Food Recall

Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health is advising the public that there is an outbreak of Listeriosis in the province.

Listeriosis is a rare but potentially serious food-borne illness that can severely affect the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems. It is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.

McGuinty Government Move Means Transit Projects Will Be Completed Faster

A new six-month environmental assessment process means transit projects will be built faster.

This new process gives GO Transit, Metrolinx (http://www.metrolinx.com/default.aspx) and municipal and provincial transit authorities a six month window to consult with the public, undertake an assessment of the potential environmental effects and identify mitigation measures.

GO Transit has announced that the first two projects moving forward under the new rules will be the expansion of all-day GO Train service to Milton and the extension of GO Train service from Oshawa to Bowmanville. The province has also finalized a Transit Priority Statement setting out the rationale and urgency for the new six-month process for public transit. It identifies the important links between public transit and achievement of provincial priorities such as the Greenbelt Act, Ontario's Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other provincial land use goals and objectives.

Transit projects play an essential role in a strong economy, reducing gridlock and fighting climate change.

QUOTES

"Our environment and our quality of life depend on an efficient transit system - it's key to combating climate change," said Environment Minister John Gerretsen. "More transit more quickly means we are getting single-occupant cars off the road sooner, improving air quality and reducing commuting times."

"The six-month process helps get transit projects up and running as quickly as possible and people onto public transit sooner," said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley.