COPE

The Province has taken steps to rollout the Full-Day Early Learning program. The legislation would mandate all School Boards in Ontario to make available full day classes for four and five year olds, including extended day programs. It also gives the Boards the authority and responsibility to set fees for the after school programs. The Ontario Legislature passed a resolution that details six steps the federal government can take to support Ontarians in its 2010 Budget: Ensuring current and future transfer payments that support services Ontarians rely on are protected, even as the federal deficit is addressed; Committing to the renewal of health care funding agreements before they expire and to the growth of health transfers at the real rate of health care expenditure; Positioning Canada as a global leader on the environment by supporting Ontario's burgeoning green economy through such things as a cap and trade program that will support jobs and investment in Ontario, and investing a fair share in Ontario's clean energy initiatives; Investing in our people and positioning them for good jobs by living up to the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement and ending the current short-changing of new Canadians who come to Ontario; Continuing to partner with Ontarians by strengthening investments in post-secondary education and training programs that build workers skills and knowledge for today and tomorrow; and Providing stability to the thousands of Ontario families who rely on childcare spaces created with federal funding by continuing to fund those quality childcare spaces for Ontario children. These are all bread and butter initiatives which have been lingering with the Feds for some time now. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was signed by Premier McGuinty a few weeks ago. Under the terms of the Agreement, Ontario suppliers will gain access to U.S. state and local public works projects in a range of areas, including the: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection Agency. In exchange, Canada agreed to provide U.S. suppliers with permanent access to a range of contracts across Canada's provinces and territories, as well as temporary access to some municipal-based construction contracts. In return for permanent access to Ontario's markets, Ontario businesses will be granted permanent access to bid on annual U.S. state procurement contracts. In addition, both countries agreed to begin discussions within the year to explore the possibility of additional reciprocal access to procurement markets on a permanent basis. As well, a fast-track consultation process will be established should similar "Buy American" provisions be applied to future funding programs. Access to the American markets will help manufacturers and technology developers grow considerably. Federally not much is happening due to the proroguing of parliament but the Harper Government is scheduling a full slate of issues for when they return to work. The COPE committee website has been in the process of being upgraded and we expect it to be ready shortly. The new web address is www.lu353.org/cope. Fraternally, Steven Martin, COPE Chair