(Queen’s Park) – Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop today criticized the new Dalton McGuinty government for passing Bill 2, legislation that means higher taxes for all Ontarians. The bill is yet to receive Royal Assent.

“During the recent election campaign, Dalton McGuinty told millions of Ontarians over and over again that he would not raise their taxes,” said Dunlop. “Yet today, Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal Caucus voted in favour of higher taxes, creating the largest single tax increase in Ontario’s history.”

The tax increase supported by the new Liberal government amounts to $4.13 billion and includes the following:

· Cancels the final stage of the 20 percent personal income tax cut affecting low- and middle-income earners;

· Eliminates all of the corporate tax measures announced in the 2001 Ontario Budget;

· Cancels the scheduled Small Business Income Tax Rate reduction;

· Eliminates the legislated Equity in Education Tax Credit for parents; and

· Cancels the Seniors’ Education Property Tax Credit.

“Our government worked so hard to keep our economy competitive and create jobs, and now, all that work is being undone by the McGuinty government on the backs of taxpayers both young and old,” said Dunlop. “Today, the McGuinty government has embarked on a crash course that will lead to job losses and a weakened economy in Ontario.”

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