For Immediate Release 

December 3, 2009

HST COMMITTEE HEARINGS REVEAL WIDESPREAD OPPOSITON TO DALTON McGUINTY’S $3 BILLION HST TAX GRAB

Despite Liberal attempts to silence HST critics, concerned seniors, families and small businesses make themselves heard

NEWS

Today, during Legislative committee hearings into the Dalton McGuinty’s $3 billion HST tax grab, MPPs on the committee heard from a broad coalition of Ontarians opposed to this record breaking tax increase. 

By the end of the day over 70 % of debutants expressed strong opposition to the HST.  These included groups representing Ontario seniors, pensioners, condo owners, home care providers, camp ground operators, real estate agents and taxpayer advocates. 

More than three dozen other groups applied to testify before the committee but were denied the opportunity to have their say.  By shutting the door on the testimony of concerned Ontario taxpayers, the McGuinty Liberals reinforced why it is important to hold province-wide consultations on what will be the largest tax increase in Ontario history.

QUOTES

“With each new witness, the verdict becomes more clear.  Dalton McGuinty’s HST is bad for seniors, bad for families and bad for our economy.  It’s no wonder the Liberals are frightened of province-wide public hearings.”  -- Ontario PC MPP Lisa MacLeod

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QUICK FACTS

Liberals denied opposition MPPs the right to question pro-government witnesses such as Jack Mintz, Director and Palmer Chair in Public Policy, University of Calgary.

Liberals refused hearings on HST in 10 communities in a 3 week period

Liberals handed out their Red Book at committee to sway the debutants.

Liberals were banned from handing out their Red Book in committee room