TORONTO –The Good Jobs for All Coalition issued a mixed response to the McGuinty government’s 2010 budget, released 4pm Thursday, March 25, 2010.

“We are very disappointed to see a freeze in the wages of thousands of public sector workers,” says John Campey, Executive Director of the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto, and member of the Good Jobs for All Coalition.  “But we are relieved the budget does not move on privatizing our public assets and services as the Government has threatened in the past. Our public services are not for sale – they’re ours.”

“In addition, the Government’s decision to step up and fill the gap left by the Federal government’s decision to stop supporting childcare is welcomed,” says John Campey.  “The support will serve children, help Ontario’s families, and create more good jobs.”

“Limiting increases to services below rates of inflation while continuing corporate tax cuts is not a fair way to respond to our deficit crisis,” says Laurel Rothman, Director of Community Building & Social Reform at Family Services Toronto, and Good Jobs for All Coalition member.  “Better solutions are in order.”

“We are pleased the Second Career program received increased funding to keep up with the demand to retrain unemployed workers,” says Good Jobs for All Coalition Co-Chair, Tam Goossen.  “But it’s not nearly enough and we will need to keep up the fight until the Province eases eligibility requirements so more people who need it can access this vital program.”

The Good Jobs for All Coalition is an alliance of more than 40 community, labour and student groups representing people throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

For more information on the Coalition and its’ members go to http://goodjobsforall.ca/ or contact Jessica Bell, Communications/Campaigns, Toronto & York Region Labour Council, jbell@labourcouncil.ca, 416 937 0076.