From: THE BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER ,June 21, 2000 Page 4

Environmental, social problems hurting quality of life in Ontario: report

TORONTO (CP) - Ontario's economic growth is being undermined by worsening social and environmental problems, says a report which measures the quality of life. The Ontario Social Development Council, which monitors social, economic, health and environmental trends, said quality of life in the province has risen since last fall, but it is still below what it was 10 years ago.

"The strong economic growth we are experiencing is good news but we are paying the price in social and environmental problems," said Malcolm Shookner, executive director of the council and author of the report. He said unemployment, low-paying jobs, a shortage of affordable housing and poor air quality undermine provincial improvements. "Our quality of life in Ontario will not advance in the 21st century unless we solve these problems," said Shookner. Ontario's quality of life index has risen to 97.7, up from 96.9 last fall, but still below the benchmark index of 100, which was set in 199O to measure and monitor changes in living conditions. Besides a robust economy, Ontario is "having more healthy babies being born," said Shookner. "There are fewer elderly on waiting lists for long-term care ... and fewer toxic spills."

But Andrew Mitchell, of the Community Social Planning and Development Council, said such trends may be finished growing. "This economy is old, so we may not see any improvements," said Mitchell. The quality of life report is designed to provide a 10-year look at the province's quality of life, and to set benchmarks for the next century.