Perth Wellington MPP Randy Pettapeice is welcoming an extended summer break from Queen's Park because he has business to attend to in his riding.
The provincial government rose for the summer on Thursday for a five-month break, which is almost two months longer than usual.
However, Pettapeice said MPPs spent a lot of time in Toronto including sitting last July, and extra time at Christmas.
"We've introduced over 70 bills this time, and we've got them through the house. We've done a tremendous amount of work, and we've had to spend a lot of time in Toronto in the house, so this is going to give me, and all other MPPs more time to be out in the riding," he explained.
Pettapeice said as a former councillor he understands local municipalities are concerned about future provincial funding. He said that's why the government backed away from planned municipal funding cuts this year. But he added that fiscal restraint is still a big focus for his government, so he is making no promises on funding levels for next year
"We still have to address our deficit and our debt. We're currently spending about $40 million a day just to address our debt issues, we've got to get that under control or...we're gonna lose services that we hold very dear," he added.
He said he understands educators and students are concerned about front line job losses. He added despite various reports of local teachers losing positions, the policy is still being developed.
"I don't think we can put a definite number on job losses if there are going to be any. We promised the education system that because of our policies, no teacher jobs would be lost, and we intend to keep that promise," he stressed.
Pettapeice added that over the past year, the government of Ontario has invested over $60.3 million in Perth-Wellington with major investments in transit, health care and housing.
He said the $3.4 million he announced to create public transit networks across both Perth and Wellington counties will help people access to education, healthcare services and employment opportunities.
The Perth County Transit System that will link the communities of Stratford, St. Marys, Mitchell, Sebringville, Monkton, Atwood, Milverton, Listowel, and Millbank together. In addition, the funding will help create a Stratford/Perth Regional Transportation Service connecting communities to services in London and Kitchener.
The government announced the addition of 41 new long-term care beds at three projects across the riding and committed $2.3 million in funding for mental health and addictions services. The City of Stratford, and the Perth County and Stratford Housing Corporation will receive $3.9 million for the 2019-2020 year and Wellington County will receive $6.1 million.