With June fast approaching, it’s natural that the people in Simcoe North are starting to think of their summer plans. Will my family be able to take a vacation? Can I afford to take time off?

While the people in my riding are asking the hard questions, the McGuinty government is oblivious. Instead of introducing policies to support Ontario’s hard-working families, this government is introducing higher taxes and higher energy costs, inciting growing concerns about its ability to guide Ontario through the economic storm.

The McGuinty Liberals have failed to grasp a concept that even freshmen economics students can comprehend: it is wrong to raise taxes during a recession. This discourages spending and prolongs the agony of economic hardship. This government needs a refresher course in basic economics.

Two concrete examples come to mind: Dalton McGuinty’s new sales tax and his new energy legislation. With his latest tax hike, Dalton McGuinty will increase the cost of common expenditures like household electricity, gas, coffee, internet access, and even funeral services.

Earlier this month, the McGuinty government passed Bill 150 that will drive up household energy costs by as much as $1,200 a year, according to an independent study conducted by London Economics International. And that’s before the new “Dalton Sales Tax” is applied. By calling it the “Green Energy Act”, this government was able to disguise this tax grab as a step forward. Ontarians know better.

After hearing the outrage of the people of Simcoe North and in communities across the province, the Ontario PC Party launched a website – www.daltonsalestax.com – to give a voice to frustrated Ontarians. Through this website, we have heard comments like, “This is just another cash grab from our money hungry government.”

The Ontario PC Caucus couldn’t agree more. At a time when too many of Ontario’s families are struggling to stay afloat, Dalton McGuinty is steering life boats in the opposite direction.

No one is asking this government for a magic potion. No one is asking for a quick fix. But Ontarians deserve a government that takes steps toward improving the economy, not a government that makes things worse. Kicking Ontarians when they’re already down by increasing hydro costs and raising taxes on everyday purchases is not the way to restore Ontario’s prosperity.

It just doesn’t make any sense.