For Immediate Release
May 11, 2005

Budget Misses Opportunity To Help Hardworking Ontarians

McGuinty plan breaks more promises and increases provincial debt

Queen’s Park -- The McGuinty Liberals fourth fiscal plan in two years does little to help the hardworking taxpayers of Ontario, according to MPP Toby Barrett.

“It’s clear from today’s budget that the Liberals had a massive windfall in revenues but is reneging on its promise to balance the budget by 2007,” Barrett said. “It’s more of the same we’re growing accustomed to from the Liberals -- broken promises and missed opportunities.”

Revenues increased in 2004 by $2.6 billion, thanks to the health tax this government slapped on Ontarians; however, the McGuinty Liberals still managed to add $800 million to the deficit for the 2004/2005 fiscal year. Barrett said that taxpayers have been overburdened with higher energy costs, higher personal, corporate and property taxes; all of which produced billions more in taxes for the government.

“You would think that somewhere in today’s budget, this government could have found it in their hearts to thank Ontario’s hardworking families,” Barrett said. “Perhaps in return for what Ontario families delivered for government, Premier McGuinty should have provided a 10 per cent reduction in the health tax they pay.”

Barrett went on to say that today’s budget is just further proof that the Ontario Liberals are continuing to make their plans on the back of a napkin as they go along. During the 2003 election campaign, McGuinty pledged to balance the budget in their first year, then changed their plan in 2004 to balance the budget by 2007. Today, the Liberals only hope to balance the books by 2008/2009.

“I’m sure it’s a disappointing day for many Ontarians,” Barrett said. “This government continues to add to the cynicism being created right across Canada when it comes to politics. It’s unfortunate because it doesn’t have to be this way.”

- 30 -