Mr Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): I rise in the House today to dispel the myths shown in the province's projected artificial deficit. The reality is that the Liberals can actually balance the province's books before the end of this fiscal year. The choice is theirs.

I was pleased to read an article in today's National Post, written by John Williamson and Bruce Winchester from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, that helps clarify the projected deficit number. The article is called "Ontario's Deficit Cut Down to Size." It defines the dramatic impact of the following three factors on Erik Peters's deficit projection: the province's 2002-03 public accounts, more federal tax dollars coming from Mr Martin than Mr Manley, and of course McGuinty's tax increases. I really hope that the Premier and our Minister of Finance read this article, because here's the bottom line: The revised projected deficit for 2003-04 is $1.8 billion.

Since Dalton McGuinty maintained in opposition, and during the election, that he had a plan to deal with a $2-billion deficit, this good news should make the job that much easier. However, we do expect the Liberals to pump up the projected deficit numbers, as they've been doing all along, to give them some spending room. After all, many special interests are waiting with hands outstretched for their paybacks from the election.

We ask Dalton McGuinty to give Ontarians the real financial picture and get on with the job he was elected to do. Ontarians deserve nothing less.