Rm. 200 North Wing, Legislative Building,
Queen’s Park, Toronto
Ontario, M7A 1A8
Ph. (416) 325-7272 Fax (416) 325-3810
June 17, 2004
LAW BREAKING LIBERALS STEAM-ROLL ONTARIANS WITH TAX HIKES AND SERVICE CUTS
Liberal Government Passes Tax-and-Slash Budget Bill in Spite of Public Outcry
(Queen’s Park) Under cover of darkness, at 9:30pm on Thursday evening, the Liberal government marched
forward with their reckless agenda by quietly passing the Budget Measures Act, despite opposition from the
Progressive Conservative caucus. The bill passed with unanimous support from members of the Liberal
caucus who chose to disregard public opinion and strong opposition from experts in the financial and health
communities.
“Since the Liberal Budget was announced on May 18, I have spoken with hundreds of people in our
community who are disgusted with this government’s callous attitude and broken promises,” stated John
Yakabuski, MPP. “Dalton McGuinty promised he would not raise taxes, yet modest and middle income
families will start seeing as much as $1,000 per year come off their paychecks starting on July 1st as a result
of the government’s punishing new health tax.”
Following a wave of public backlash over the budget, the Liberal government has seen their popularity
plummet by 16 points and Dalton McGuinty’s approval rating has hit rock bottom at a meager 9 percent. As
a result of this hostile response, the government was forced to cut off debate on the budget bill and abuse
their majority in the Legislature to covertly pass their budget with virtually no public consultation.
During the total of 8-hours of public hearing on the budget, the government heard from groups such as
chiropractors, physiotherapists and taxpayer protection groups who were unanimous in their condemnation
of the Liberal tax hikes and the de-listing of vital health care services. With respect to the new health tax,
Tasha Kheiriddin, Ontario Director of the Canadian Taxpayer’s Federation, told the government that “every
year families will have $600 less to spend on rent or mortgage payments, on food, or on the education of
their children. It will essentially reverse all the income tax gains made by Ontarians since 1999.”
“People in our community cannot afford this new tax. Nor can they afford the Liberal government’s
privatization of eye exams, physiotherapy or chiropractic services,” said Yakabuski. “I have heard from my
constituents, and I will live up to this promise – I will fight these reckless Liberal policies tooth-and-nail on
their behalf until Dalton McGuinty does the right thing and reverses his agenda, or until he gives Ontarians
the right to have their voices heard through a referendum on these issues. Raising taxes in this province
requires a referendum – that is the law, and despite what the Liberals may think, this government is not
above the law.”
“Dalton McGuinty cannot hide from his record. He promised to hold the line on our taxes and provide equal
access for all Ontarians to vital health care services. By passing this budget, the Liberals have not only
broken their promise, they have put the health and financial well-being of all Ontarians at risk.”
-30For further information please contact:
John Yakabuski, MPP
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke
416.325.2170