McGuinty Liberals indifferent to rising gas prices, says MPP

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington – Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2011

McGuinty Liberals indifferent to rising gas prices, says MPP
Arnott
(Queen’s Park) – Rising gas prices are having a major effect on family budgets, but they seem to be
having no effect on the McGuinty Liberals. Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott yesterday
delivered that message in the Ontario Legislature. He drew attention to recent comments from the
Minister of Finance, who dismissed calls to lower taxes on gasoline.

Mr. Arnott’s remarks were as follows:

“With every new tax fee and price increase, Ontario families know this: They have a provincial
government that is, at best, totally indifferent to their economic hardship.

“The latest example: Yesterday the Minister of Finance categorically rejected a cut to his
government’s HST on gasoline.

“Canadian Press quotes the minister: ‘You see overnight swings in these prices much larger than
the HST.’ How insensitive. How callous. People who are struggling know that every saving, no
matter how small, makes a difference in their household budget. Every little bit helps.

“This may be a revelation to certain ministers, with cars and drivers, who haven’t noticed that the
price of gasoline has gone up.

“The minister could have acknowledged that rising gas prices are causing real financial pain. The
minister could have also offered some encouragement on rising gas prices. But he didn’t so much as
indicate he wanted to find a solution. Instead, he just made excuses.

“Here’s the worst part: The McGuinty Liberals continue to deny small and rural municipalities their
fair share of gas tax revenues. Cities with transit systems receive a portion of the 14.7-cent-per-litre
provincial gas tax. Small-town and rural Ontario municipalities without transit systems still have to
maintain their roads, but this government leaves them out in the cold.

“Our caucus has long advocated that this discriminatory policy must change so that all
municipalities, large and small, can provide the transportation infrastructure that they need. Again, I
call upon the government to address this inequity.”
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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org