For Immediate Release
February 28, 2007
ONTARIO RESPONSE TO GAS SHORTAGE:
'SO WHAT?'
On the anniversary of the Caledonia occupation
McGuinty continues 'so what' attitude
(Caledonia) -
On the one year anniversary of the Caledonia occupation Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant
MPP Toby Barrett says the McGuinty Liberals "so what" approach
to problems is par for the course for a government that has ducked its
responsibility on the major issues facing Ontarians.
Barrett comments followed a report that
Energy Minister Dwight Duncan's response to concerns about gas stations
running out of fuel was to blame the media. When asked about the fuel
shortage and how it was on every newscast, Duncan said: "So? So?
Did everyone get gas? So what?"
"Here in Caledonia, this "so
what" attitude from the McGuinty Government is nothing new,"
said Barrett. "Time and time again we have seen government representatives
downplay the stressful situation that has now impacted residents and businesses
alike for the past 365 days - at one point the premier commented that
this has taken place 'largely without incident, without injury...'"
"Now we have a refinery fire at
Nanticoke that has combined with a rail strike to stem the supply of fuel
across the province and shut down gas stations - including some here in
my riding - and their response is 'So what'"?! Barrett exclaimed.
The Ontario Trucking Association says
the situation could soon get desperate because of fuel shortages. Dalton
McGuinty's response when asked if he was worried about the fuel shortage
and the impact on the Ontario economy was: "Not at this point in
time."
"This is insensitive and absolutely
arrogant," Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory
added. "Dalton McGuinty's Liberals seem to be taking a 'so what'
approach to almost everything in government. Ontarians deserve much better
than this."
This is the latest McGuinty Liberal "so
what" approach to an issue facing the province. Here is how they've
responded to other issues:
| * |
So what about the economy losing over 120,000
manufacturing jobs
over the past two years, including Dalton McGuinty at one point
saying the jobs losses were only "a little bit of contraction".
|
| * |
So what about victims and the Criminal Injuries
Compensation
Board that Ombudsman Andre Marin called a "colossal failure"
that needlessly victimizes those it's supposed to serve. The Attorney
General refused to deal with the situation until he was exposed
and allowed the law to be broken on his watch.
|
| * |
So what about rising wait times in Emergency
Rooms around the
province. The Health Minister dismissed doctors who warned the government
about the problem as a rogue group.
|
| * |
So what about those election promises. Those
who voted Liberal
will surely forget about those... |
-30-
For more information, please contact
MPP Toby Barrett at: (519) 428-0446 or
1-800-903-8629
|
