Sudbury Northern Life
Greater Sudbury's 2009 budget got a $58.8 million lift from the province Friday.
Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci announced $53.8 million in provincial funding from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) and $5 million in reduced costs from the the upload of Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) administration.
“The OMPF will help Greater Sudbury in these potentially more challenging times ahead and help build an even stronger community,” said Bartolucci.
Mayor John Rodriguez was present for the funding announcement.
“Look at the size of our city. We have thousands of pipes and all kinds of roads we have to maintain. We cannot do it alone. We need this kind of partnership with the province. Coun. Ted Callaghan is leading us through a challenging budget process. Rick Bartolucci has been a good partner for us,” said Rodriguez.
The money was anticipated but not confirmed until the announcement, said Callaghan.
“This $5 million is money used mostly for the social service area in Ontario Works - the drug benefits for example. It ensures our base budget stays the way it is set up for. A month ago we did not know if we were going to get this. When you also look at the whole package, the other $53.8 million, that is significant for a northern community like our own,” said Callaghan.
Callaghan said now there will be a smooth transition without financial penalty to city coffers as the city gives back services that were formerly paid for by the province.
“This is good for taxpayers. The amount of money approved for the base 2009 budget by the finance committee is now guaranteed. The provincial support is now there.”
Since 2004, the McGuinty government has provided the city with $339,638,296 in OMPF funding.
There seems to be a good relationship between Mayor John Rodriguez and Bartolucci.
“When I go to municipal conferences or meetings, I am often told how jealous other mayors are of the good co-operative relationship the city has with the provincial government, and specifically Minister Rick Bartolucci,” said Rodriguez.
“Hardly a week goes by that we are not on the telephone and talking about issues affecting the city.”
Rodriguez noted that he had a close personal relationship with Bartolucci.
“Heck, Rick's mother, 91 years old, even knows the names of my five sons and asks about them whenever I see her.”
The city will also receive $294,550 from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to help provide home nursing services and home care to individuals of limited means who are in crisis situations. The city contributed $73,638.
“Rick Bartolucci gave money to our department that supports the elderly to stay in their homes for as long as possible. That means that the Wrap Around services we have been talking about will now have some of the funding required in two major sites in the city,” said Rodriguez.
The sites mentioned are the Ukrainian Seniors home and Maison La Paix facility.
