MPP DUNLOP URGES LIBERALS TO ADOPT P.C. SUMMER TAX RELIEF PLAN

In recent weeks I have attended numerous events around my riding of Simcoe North and without question the biggest issue facing citizens I meet , is the high cost of gasoline and the fact that Dalton McGuinty is doing nothing to help relieve the impact.

I have spoken to families who cannot affordto take a vacation this year. I hear from men and women who can no longer take their families to a fast-food outlet because that money is now used to buy gasoline. I also have been told by resort operators that they will definitely be cutting back on summer staff this year, because they simply cannot afford to pay them.

I had the opportunity to comment in the Ontario Legislature on Monday June 9 about a solution that will at least help stimulate the Tourism sector. Three weeks ago we launched the Progressive Conservative Summer Tax Relief Plan. This plan calls for the immediate elimination of the Retail Sales Tax on tourism related businesses. The Minister of Tourism calls it a “Piecemeal Plan” but he has done absolutely nothing to gain the respect of the tourism industry. Hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars will be lost in the tourism industry this summer.

The Provincial Tax savings may in fact be reason enough for many Ontarians hit hard by high gas prices to travel in Ontario this summer. On behalf of residents in my riding and all Ontarians I will continue to urge the government to adopt the PC Summer Tax Relief Plan.