For Immediate Release
January 18, 2005

Another tobacco tax hike sure to close some corner stores: Barrett

Queen’s Park – “This government just doesn’t know when to quit.”

Those are Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett’s feelings about the Ontario Liberal’s plan to increase tobacco taxes by $1.25 per carton as of midnight tonight.

“Once again Dalton McGuinty is hitting the little guy – small business owners who run corner stores,” Barrett said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if tonight’s increase will force some corner stores to close their doors.”

According to a news release from the Ministry of Finance, tonight’s tobacco tax increase is the third step in McGuinty’s plan to bring Ontario in line with the national average.

“My advice to those who believe this government is increasing taxes to help Ontario smokers butt out, think again,” Barrett said. “This is all about a Liberal government addicted to taxes and the revenue it generates.”

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629