THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 03/06/13 -- On Thursday, March 7, residents of the Thunder Bay region will add their ideas to a province-wide consultation on Ontario's financial future. This regional consultation is one of nine being held in communities across the province over the next several weeks as part of "The People's Budget" - a campaign launched by the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL).

To coincide with the February 25 campaign launch, the OFL released a discussion paper, "Toward a People's Budget", calling for the public policy conversation to change from a focus on austerity cuts to the promotion of good jobs, economic growth, and public services. Community groups and residents from every corner of the province are being asked to offer their ideas for a new approach to addressing the province's economic, social, and fiscal challenges. The discussion paper, event listings and an online submission form are available at: www.thepeoplesbudget.ca. The discussion is also taking place on Twitter at: #PplsBudget.

  Who:    Community groups, unions and everyday residents                   
  What:   Ontario Federation of Labour community consultation on the next   
          Ontario Budget                                                    
  When:   Thursday, March 7, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm                              
  Where:  55 Plus Centre, 700 River Street, Thunder Bay, ON                 
  Why:    To discuss ideas for a new approach to addressing Ontario's       
          economic, social, and fiscal challenges and contribute to the     
          development of a People's Budget                                  
                                                                            

"There is no doubt that Thunder Bay residents are struggling with the local impacts of austerity cuts in their community and they want to see Ontario choose a new path that focuses on good jobs, sustainable public services, and a fairer society," said OFL President Sid Ryan. "This is an opportunity for Ontarians to bring their ideas forward and demand a budget that puts people first."

The feedback and solutions gathered through the community consultations and online submissions will be gathered into a report of recommendations that will be presented to the government before the next Ontario Budget.

About the Ontario Federation of Labour

The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information, visit www.OFL.ca and follow the OFL on Facebook and Twitter: @OFLabour and follow OFL President Sid Ryan at @SidRyan_OFL.