Press Release |
GOOD NEWS UPDATE
Funding brings new jobs to town
January 23, 2009For Immediate Release
November 27, 2008
MCGUINTY LIBERALS PLAYING GAMES WITH AUTO AID
Klees says local auto business approved for funding, but won’t receive money until next fiscal year
(Queen’s Park) – Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Frank Klees (Newmarket-Aurora) today slammed the McGuinty Liberals for taking months to dole out their so-called Next Generation of Jobs Fund to struggling auto sector businesses.
“Axiom Corporation in my riding is a struggling auto sector company that went through the appropriate channels to apply for this funding. They were approved by this government, but they haven’t seen one red cent, only red tape,” said Klees. “Why are the McGuinty Liberals playing political games with fragile businesses in a weakened economy?”
Two months ago, Klees asked Dalton McGuinty in the Legislature about the company which applied for financial assistance from the Next Generation of Jobs Fund, was approved, but never received the funding. At the time, McGuinty passed the question to the then-Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Sandra Pupatello, who said she had spoken with the business owner.
Today in the Legislature, Klees said that the owner got a call from the Ministry the next day, ensuring him that the money was on its way. But nothing came. Most recently, Axiom’s owner got yet another call, telling him that the money would actually only be available in February 2009. When questioned about the Ministry’s about-face, the new Economic Development Minister Michael Bryant dodged the question.
“Funny thing about February 2009 – that’s right around budget time. Something fishy is going on with the McGuinty Liberals,” said Klees. “Why wouldn’t they give a struggling auto sector business the funding they were approved for, when the funding was already allocated in the budget? Are the McGuinty Liberals holding onto the money in order to re-announce it at budget time?”
Added Klees: “With Magna cutting 850 jobs yesterday, auto sector businesses need the help promised to them by the McGuinty Liberals. This is no time for political games.”
Hansard from November 27, 2008 and Hansard from September 30, 2008 . March 25, 2008
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For more information:
Frank Klees
(416) 325-7316