(Queen’s Park) – Under the cover of darkness, the Dalton McGuinty Liberals voted unanimously tonight to pass their tax-hiking Budget bill into law, despite strong resistance from the Progressive Conservatives, said Garfield Dunlop, Chief Opposition Whip.

“Our Caucus Members fought hard to expose this budget for what it really is – a book of broken promises,” said Dunlop. “Dalton McGuinty and his government have betrayed Ontarians with over 50 separate tax or fee increases in the budget that will have people pay more, but receive less.”

Budget 2004:

· Forces you to pay for your eye exams if you are between 20 and 60;

· Forces you to pay full price for your chiropractic visits;

· Forces you to pay full price to go to the physiotherapist;

· Forces modest- and middle-income earners to pay a new $1.6 billion health tax through their personal income tax;

· Breaks the law (Taxpayer Protection Act); and

· Ignores the Liberal promise to hold a referendum to let people decide whether or not they want their taxes raised.

As a result of an unprecedented public outcry, the McGuinty Liberals cut off debate on the budget bill and abused their majority in the Ontario legislature to sneak their budget through a vote with virtually no input from the public.

Despite calls last week from the P.C. Caucus for full public consultations in 21 communities across the province, the McGuinty Liberals held only six hours of hearings on the budget, all in Toronto. During these limited consultations, groups such as chiropractors, physiotherapists and taxpayer protection advocates were unanimous in their condemnation of the Liberal tax hikes and the de-listing of vital health care services.

“Thanks to Dalton McGuinty’s new health tax, the average Ontario family will have at least $1,000 less to spend each year on rent or mortgage payments, food, clothing and other necessities,” said Dunlop. “Our government had worked so hard over eight years to build a strong economy in which all Ontarians would have the opportunity to prosper. Now, this progress is being quickly eroded by the McGuinty Liberals.”

Contacts:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)