The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River insists there’s been no provincial downloading and the government continues to invest in area communities while controlling spending.
Greg Rickford is responding to concerns that municipalities could be asked to foot the bill for social services and public health in the new year.
It comes after Dryden City Council this week passed a motion calling on the Northwestern Health Unit to conduct an internal audit as a way of reducing costs to municipalities.
Rickford says the onus is still 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,” notes Rickford.
He adds a compelling case was made that this isn’t the time to ask health agencies to find 4% in internal savings and government 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.
