TORONTO, April 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Today's balanced Ontario Liberal Budget makes investments that will help families, create opportunities and build for the future.

Dianne Martin, CEO, Registered Practical Nurses of Ontario
"We are delighted with the announcement that Premier Kathleen Wynne and her government will provide more than $100 million over three years to support people with dementia and those who care for them – a challenge that only grows in importance as our population ages. We are particularly encouraged by the large funding increase to Behavioural Supports Ontario, which will translate into significant benefits to older people with cognitive impairments. RPNAO is very much looking forward to working with our partner associations in the long-term care sector to help advance this incredibly important work on behalf of the province's older population."  

Tim Hudak, CEO, Ontario Real Estate Association
"We're very pleased that the government acted; bottom line here is we need to do something about affordability of homeowner ship. Clearly the premier herself and the finance minister…they seem to be listening to our advice and we're happy about that."

David Waters, Ontario Region President, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
"By leveraging surplus land for affordable housing, the Province is going to open up new opportunities to build in some of the least affordable markets in the country. Right now, more than ever, it's good to see the Province using all the tools at its disposal to build affordable housing."

Keith Brooks, Programs Director, Environmental Defence
"Ontario's budget shows that the province remains committed to growing a low-carbon, clean economy. This budget makes it clear that Ontarians do not have to choose between the environment and the economy. Not only has the province taken decisive steps towards a low-carbon economy, but it has also delivered a balanced budget that is projecting strong growth in the years ahead."

Karen Cameron, CEO, Ontario Public Transit Association
"The increase in the amount of gas tax money municipalities receive will be a huge boost for transit systems in Ontario. Transit systems understand their infrastructure needs, and the needs of their riders, better than anyone else. That is why the flexible funding provided through the gas tax fund is so important - it lets municipalities and transit systems prioritize what is needed most."

Jim Watson, Mayor, Ottawa
"Pleased to see renewed Provincial commitment to infrastructure, transit, tech, affordable housing, health, child care, social services."

Matt Brown, Mayor, London
"I am pleased to see the Government of Ontario reaffirm their support to move forward with rapid transit in London. This is a truly transformative project that will result in significant employment and over $1-billion in economic growth. I am looking forward to working together to make this city building project a reality."

Shawn Simpson, Chair, Ontario Pharmacists Association
"We're supportive of anything that's going to help children and youth get medication that they need without any financial barriers. We're truly pleased to see from an access to medication perspective that that won't be a barrier from a financial perspective. We're happy to hear that access to medication is being improved."

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
"CAMH welcomes Ontario's Budget today as a significant step forward in building a strong and recovery focused mental health system. Stabilizing funding for Ontario hospitals will help us improve access to care, reduce wait times and build important transitions to community and housing partners.

Adrianna Tetley, CEO, Association of Ontario Health Centres
"The investments in this year's health budget signal the government's growing recognition that primary care is the foundation of our health system. We are pleased to see this new funding, especially in the context of other health announcements that impact the determinants of community health and wellbeing."

Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO, United Way Toronto and York Region
"The investments this budget makes in children and youth, for drug coverage and skills training, as well as social assistance changes, will help many families build brighter futures."

Brian Lewis, President and CEO, MEDEC (Canada's Medical Technology Companies)
"We're very pleased that the Wynne government is continuing the transformative work of the province's Office of the Chief Health Innovation Strategist which is making Ontario a leading jurisdiction for medical technology innovators. We also commend this government's increased investments in Ontario's hospitals, as well as the targeted funding to reduce wait times for vitally important procedures such as hip and knees replacements which will greatly improve the lives of patients, while contributing to health system sustainability." 

Anthony Dale, President and CEO, Ontario Hospital Association
"Today's budget announcement is an investment in patient care and will help maintain system stability and strengthen access to frontline services. The government's significant investments in hospital capital will help to support a sustainable health care system for the future."

Notisha Massaquoi, Executive Director, Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre 
"The arrival of the new abortion pill Mifegymiso has been greatly anticipated.  The Ontario government's decision to publically fund this option is increasing our right to choose and will provide all Ontarians with barrier free access to safe abortions regardless of socio- economic circumstances."

Amanda Dale, Executive Director, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
"The provincial government's decision to fund the new abortion pill Mifegymiso is an encouraging sign, and aligns us with the advancements called for by national reproductive health advocates. In situations of sexual violence, this is an indispensable tool to mitigate life-long harms."

SOURCE Liberal Caucus Service Bureau

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