For Immediate Release:
Tuesday December 1, 2009

Barrett pulls all-nighter in Legislature to protest HST
HN MPP stands on principle against unlistening government

Queens Park - MPP Toby Barrett was one of four Ontario PC's to stage a sit-in in the Legislature to help back their call for public hearings on McGuinty's Harmonized Sales Tax.

The protest began around 1:15 yesterday when Owen Sound-Bruce MPP Bill Murdoch refused to retract a statement in which he called the Premier a liar.

"It's unfortunate that government's refusal to listen has driven us to this point," Barrett stated after a night on the Legislature floor. "But, after months of petitions, demonstrations, letter writing campaigns and more against McGuinty's 13 per cent tax right across the province, this may be the only way to get government's attention."

When the Speaker attempted to have MPP Murdoch removed yesterday, Barrett joined a handful of Caucus members in blocking any expulsion - at that time MPP Randy Hillier was also suspended.

The protest continued as Opposition members drowning out debate with chants of "Call public hearings" that echoed through the halls of Queens Park.

"I was proud to join Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, as wells as MPP’s Murdoch and Hillier in staying overnight to ensure our members were not removed," Barrett confirmed. "I’ve slept in worse places!"

Government is apparently offering to end the standoff with a compromise that would involve three days of public hearings on the hated HST. A motion to that effect is expected to be introduced later this morning.

Once MPP's Murdoch and Hillier step outside of the Legislature they won't be able to return until a new session starts with a speech from the throne.

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