QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Jim McDonell is pleased to be appointed as Ontario PC Critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing in the recent shuffle.

“I am excited to take on this new role in Tim Hudak’s Caucus” – said MPP Jim McDonell. “Ontario’s municipalities need a Government that will work with them as partners. They are also the level of government that constituents come into contact with most often. When Governments listen to municipalities, they can access a wealth of feedback on local issues across the Province. My experiences as Councillor and Mayor will help me in my efforts to bring the voice of Ontario’s municipal stakeholders to Queen’s Park.”

Municipalities across Ontario are feeling the impact of increasing financial pressure on budgets. Sources include arbitration settlements that do not take into account a municipality’s ability to pay, the constant need to maintain infrastructure and, often, a declining tax base.

“Queen’s Park needs to listen to and work with our municipal allies. We will need to spend wiser and put more thought into legislation to address the upcoming fiscal challenges, without compromising municipalities’ ability to deliver services to their residents” – continued MPP McDonell. “We must remain focused on delivering the best outcomes for all Ontarians. In the fight against debt and waste, municipalities are a precious partner”.

MPP Jim McDonell takes over the MA&H portfolio from MPP Steve Clark (Leeds-Grenville), who takes on a new role as Critic for Community Safety and Correctional Services.