For Immediate Release
October 22, 2009

McGuinty belt tightening call too little, too late
‘Difficult choices’ for Ontario after six years of mismanagement

Simcoe – As Ontario’s government and taxpayers stare down the barrel of a $24.7 Billion projected deficit, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett queries where the McGuinty Government’s concern for the bottom line was when it really mattered.

“Quite simply, this government has frittered our taxpayer dollars away – saved nothing for a rainy day, and now are coming back to us to pick up the tab,” stated Barrett. “Even a squirrel is smart enough to save walnuts for the lean times – this government lacks the foresight of a rodent.

In the Fall Economic Statement, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan indicated that the government’s $24.7 Billion deficit will result in a Treasury Board review of services. At a joint meeting of the Empire and Canadian Clubs, Duncan admitted the deficit will mean, “difficult choices” for Ontario.

“The same month that we hear of the extent of the Billion dollar e-health scandal, and McGuinty’s million dollar a day addition to spending on consultant fees, we now hear the Finance Minister calling for a leaner and meaner government,” Barrett commented. “That comes as cold comfort to those who have already lost their jobs, lost their government training programs, or are losing their hospital emergency rooms.”

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