For Immediate Release
November 30, 2009

Opposition MPP’s stage vocal protest to demand public HST hearings

Queens Park – The Ontario Progressive Conservative Caucus stepped up their protest to demand public hearings on the government’s hated Harmonized Sales Tax scheme to another level this afternoon.

Bruce-Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch refused to withdraw comments naming the Premier as a liar and then further refused to vacate his seat, as did MPP Randy Hillier. PC members kept up a noisy barrage of demands to “Call Public Hearings.”

“Today, Mr. Murdoch used the ultimate tool available to any MPP to protest people being denied the chance to take part in public hearings on the HST,” Barrett stated outside the legislative chamber. “As members of this PC Caucus we stand behind Bill Murdoch and continue to demand public hearings.”

The McGuinty Government's $3 billion HST tax grab represents the largest sales tax increase in Ontario history. The McGuinty Government is now also using a legislative loophole to limit public debate and scrutiny of their HST bill. The HST would mean a 13 per cent tax on many everyday essentials not currently subject to PST – items ranging from gasoline, to electricity; haircuts to internet service. 

“The McGuinty Government is attempting to ram this tax increase through the legislature without first holding public hearings across the province that will allow Ontario families to have their say,” continued Barrett. “If Mr. McGuinty believes the HST is good public policy, he shouldn’t be afraid to let those it will impact voice their opinions.”

As the afternoon progressed, the Speaker of the house continued to call 15 minute recesses to allow for the Opposition protest to die down. The Speaker finally called for a separate meeting of House Leaders to work out a potential solution.

At time of writing, members remained in the Legislature, prepared to continue their protest unless demands for hearings were met.

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