For immediate release:
October 22, 2008

McGuinty Economics – high taxes, high spending
and a half-billion dollar deficit

Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett says today’s economic statement from the Ontario Government is a shameful example of a tax and spend regime that refuses to make tough decisions
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“Quite simply, there is no need for the half-billion dollar deficit that was announced today,” intoned Barrett. “Instead of making the tough decisions, Mr. McGuinty has brought forth no new initiatives to deal with the economic turmoil and has instead allowed the province to slide into red ink.”

Barrett went on to point out that while the current deficit projection sits at $500 million, he believes it will come in much higher than that when all is said and done.

“We’ve seen five years of high taxes, high spending and no job policy other than creating more government jobs than all the other provinces combined,” Barrett went on to say. “It’s unconscionable that this government could not find any savings in what amounts to be a $100 billion budget.

“Just 6 months ago they told us we had $5.6 billion dollar surplus and $800 million reserve – where did it go?” Barrett concluded.

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For more information please contact MPP Barrett at 1-416-325-8404 (Wednesday Evening), or 1-800-903-8629