Progressive Conservative MPP Liz Witmer speaks to the issue of Special Education Service Delivery, nothing has changed...

Subject: Special Education Service Delivery

Dear Mark:

Thank you very much for the copy of your recent e-mail regarding special education funding in Ontario.

I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts on this important issue and would like to thank you for your kind words about my time as Education Minister.

It appears that with the $50 million, not much will change.

I hope you and Logan are doing well.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Witmer, MPP

Kitchener-Waterloo

-----Original Message-----

To: Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Education, John Tory, Liz Witmer

Subject: Special Education Service Delivery

Good afternoon Minister Pupatello,

I have been reading the electronic copy of the special education report and I have just received your latest press release respecting this issue. The following paragraph caught my eye.

--

Beyond today's announcement, the minister recently announced a new approach to special education that would provide $50 million more support for students. The minister also announced reforms that would streamline the way special education programs are delivered, and change our evaluation methods to improve outcomes for the students who deserve our greatest attention.

--

If there is a new approach, please explain since nothing has changed, at least as far as my disabled boy Logan can tell. How are you going to streamline service delivery since most boards have a sole source unionized hiring policy that guarantees unionized service delivery only?

Frankly, I'm sick of their threats and demands made by education unions, aren't you?

Here in Hamilton they sign them up (new special education employees), after they are already hired by the board, doubling the costs overnight.

Why are unions allowed to interfere with board hiring policies for special education employees, after the fact, it's a stupid and very expensive proposition to foist on the taxpayer, it should be stopped.

Stephen Harper appreciates grassroots support

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

October 18, 2005

Dear Mr. Whittle:

Thank you for your letter of October 17. I sincerely appreciate your kind words of support.

I share your frustration regarding the arrogance and appalling mismanagement that will define the legacy of this Liberal government. Canadians deserve better. The Conservative Party will continue to highlight the need for policies that reflect the priorities of Canadians as well as the increasingly urgent need for higher ethical standards from those who have been entrusted with our tax dollars.

Conservative MPs have worked diligently to honestly reflect the concerns of our grassroots supporters. I firmly believe that our Members are committed to reforming the political system in Canada and that our efforts can reaffirm the integrity of public service. Canadians deserve a government they can respect, and to be represented by Members who genuinely regard the opinions of their constituents with equal deference.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. I look forward to your continued support as we work towards our ultimate goal of forming the next government of Canada.

Sincerely,

Hon. Stephen Harper, P .C., M.P.

Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

HOUSE OF COMMONS, OTTAWA, ONTARIO K1A CA6
CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES, OTTAWA (ONTARIO) K1A CA6

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing confirms 'enabling' powers: Toronto

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/

February 27, 2006

Dear Mr. Whittle:

Thank you for your recent email regarding the proposed taxation powers to be included in the new City of Toronto Act. As you may know, I introduced Bill 53, the proposed Stronger City of Toronto for a Stronger Ontario Act, 2005, on December 14, 2005. I appreciate receiving your views and concerns about this important legislation.

I would like you to know that one of the aims of this bill is to improve Toronto's economy by enabling the city to better compete with other major urban centres across the globe, and on all levels, including the economic one. To do this, we must provide Toronto with new and comprehensive enabling powers that are commensurate with its size, needs and responsibilities. By introducing the new Act, we recognize not only Toronto's importance as the economic engine of the province and the country, but also its ability as a mature, responsible government to exercise its powers within a strong framework of accountability.

Again, thank you for writing to me about this important new Act. Please note that there will be additional opportunities to comment on Bill 53 during its legislative process.

Sincerely,

John Gerretsen
Minister

1322(06/95)

I will never be afraid of terrorism: MAW