Change that keeps on working in western Mississauga
Solid accomplishments since '07 election

I was part of the most active government in recent history, federal or provincial, after I was elected in 2003. Since the Legislature re-convened after the October 2007 election, and through to the summer 2008 break, that pace of reform and evolution continued for Ontario. Here are some of the highlights of the first year of the second term of the Liberal government that Mississauga Streetsville helped re-elect:

Bills that passed

The Investing In Ontario Act, 2008

Ensures a portion of future surpluses will go to municipalities for infrastructure, such as improving roads and bridges, expanding transit and upgrading social housing. We saw that money in action with new transit funding for Mississauga Transit, and with repair and upgrade funds to co-op housing right in our riding: the Fletcher's Creek complex.

The Budget Measures and Interim Appropriations Act, 2008

Measures announced in the 2007 Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review and 2008 Budget, including: The elimination of the Capital Tax for corporations primarily engaged in manufacturing and resource activities and a 21 per cent Capital Tax rate cut for all corporations retroactive to January 1, 2007, on the way to full elimination in 2010. An investment of $1.5 billion in skills training for new careers, expanded postsecondary student aid, and places to learn. $1 billion in new municipal infrastructure funding in 2007-08.

The Fairness for Military Families Act

Ensures an employee who is a reservist is entitled to take a leave without pay if deployed and that family of Canadian Forces members are exempt from any waiting period for provincial health insurance.

Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry) Amendment Act, 2008

Ensures the Sex Offenders Registry be notified quickly if a sex offender is released into the community, providing the police with more tools to prevent, investigate and solve sex crimes.

The Healthy Food for Healthy Schools Act

Amends the Education Act to regulate the trans fat content of food and beverages sold in a school cafeteria.

The Access to Adoption Records Act, 2008

Allows an adopted person to prevent the sharing of their personal information and allows the parents of a person put up for adoption to prevent the sharing of their personal information.

The Toronto Public Transit Service Resumption Act, 2008

When TTC workers walked off the job, the Ontario government quickly passed this legislation requiring striking workers to return.

The Payday Loans Act, 2008

Licenses all payday lending industry operators and bans controversial lending practices.

Ontario French-language Educational Communications Authority Act, 2008

Sets out the objectives, powers and structure of the Ontario French-language Educational Communications Authority, which develops educational broadcasting and communications material and administers distance education programs.

Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act, 2008

Prohibits the use and sale of pesticides that used for cosmetic purposes, which have been deemed an unnecessary health risk.

Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act

Prohibits smoking in cars with children.

Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Speed-limiting Systems), 2008

A new requirement that commercial motor vehicles driven on a highway must have an active speed-limiting system.

The Algoma University Act, 2008

Re-establishes Algoma University College as a university.

Bills introduced:

These bills had been introduced in the Legislature by the time the House rose in June, 2008. During the summer and fall of 2008, they will receive public input in standing committees and come back before the Legislature for further debate and amendments, if needed, prior to passage.

Provincial Animal Welfare Act, 2008

Better protection for animals, including those in zoos, with regulations calling for jail time, fines and a lifetime ban on owning animals for those violators.

Photo Card Act, 2008

Would allow Ontarians to use an enhanced driver’s licence as an alternative to the passport when crossing Canada-U.S. borders by land and sea.

Increasing Access to Qualified Health Professionals for Ontarians Act, 2008

New legislation that would augment the measures passed between 2003 and 2007 to ease the way for internationally trained health care providers to practice in Ontario.

Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008

Lays the groundwork for the province to modernize and improve service delivery for adults with a developmental disability.

Colleges Collective Bargaining Act, 2008

Proposes to give part-time and sessional college workers the right to bargain collectively for the first time in Ontario history.