Markham - This afternoon York Region MPPs Michael Chan, Dr. Helena Jaczek, and Reza Moridi hosted York Region’s economic forum, with special guest Ontario Finance Minister, Dwight Duncan.

“With nearly two hundred people in attendance, Minister Duncan delivered his message that our government is up to the challenge to tackle head-on this global economic storm,” said Michael Chan, MPP, Markham-Unionville. “With investments in infrastructure and transit, York Region will be well positioned for the future.”

The Minister addressed the audience with a strong message about Ontario’s economic future with an emphasis on moving forward for a better Ontario. Among the many issues the Minister spoke of were infrastructure investment, a single sales tax, and the government’s poverty reduction strategy.

“York Region, like the rest of Ontario is feeling the effects of the global economic crisis. Through our 2009 Budget we are growing an even stronger Ontario, so together we can ensure that when prosperity returns – and it will – our people and businesses are ready to take advantage of the next generation of growth,” said Dwight Duncan, Ontario Minister of Finance.

The forum offered community members from across the region the opportunity to directly address their interests concerning Ontario’s Budget 2009 with Minister Duncan and their local MPPs. Questions were predominately directed to the Minister and ranged from questions about the armonisingle sales tax to infrastructure investment, specifically in public transit.

“I appreciate the time and commitment our community members have demonstrated by participating this afternoon. This forum provides a great opportunity for all of us to dialogue openly about the issues that are important to our region,” said Dr. Helena Jaczek. “It is a very important discussion to be had given the current economic climate.”

“The economic health of Ontario is just not about dollars and cents; it’s vital to protecting the future wellbeing of Ontario’s families and businesses,” said Reza Moridi, MPP Richmond Hill. “This budget will help to make Ontario one of the most economically competitive jurisdictions in the industrialized world.”