For Immediate Release

June 9, 2004

Liberal tobacco policy a two-legged stool

Queen’s Park – “When will the third leg of the stool be attached?”

That was the question Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett asked in the Ontario Legislature Tuesday evening. Barrett was making reference to the Liberal government’s tobacco policy; whereby the third leg of the stool represents compensation to tobacco producers whose livelihoods are vanishing as a result of increased taxes and the Liberal’s move toward a smoke-free Ontario.

“We’re having a tough time in tobacco country,” Barrett said. “We know a war has been declared on tobacco to bring in a smoke-free Ontario. We know that taxes have been increased twice during the reign of the present Liberal government.”

Barrett has stood in the Legislature on a number of occasions since the May 18th Liberal Budget, demanding that Premier McGuinty live up to his $50 million promise to tobacco producers.

“When will we see the third promised approach; that is, the commitment of assistance to tobacco farmers that is ever more necessary?"

-30 –