Provincial Conservatives respond 'Liberal-NDP' budget

NEWS RELEASE

NORM MILLER, MPP

*************************
Liberal-NDP no growth budget for Northern Ontario

(April 24, 2012) - Today in Toronto an Ontario Liberal budget that fails to invest in the future of Northern Ontario was passed with the support of the NDP in the legislature.

The 2012 budget continues the long Liberal pattern of reckless spending and broken promises to Northerners.

“The budget is a disappointing response to Northern economic opportunities; this budget is not a jobs plan. Instead of a clear focus on curbing spending, the Liberals are increasing fees, raising revenue through alcohol and gaming and selling off assets,” said Norm Miller, ON PC Northern Critic.

Despite deep cuts in Northern Ontario, the Liberal-NDP plan will still leave an Ontario deficit that equals three times that of every other Province in Canada put together.

“Tim Hudak and the Northern Ontario Progressive Conservative team understand the need to reign in Ontario’s reckless spending binge that has Ontario headed for a $30 billion deficit. However, cuts without a plan to build the supports necessary to revive the Northern economy won’t solve the fundamental problem. A Tim Hudak government will look to the future with a pro-growth strategy that involves the North,” continued Miller.

The NDP’s support of this budget breaks their commitment to Northerners this fall.

The budget taxes home heating bills and closes MNR and tourism offices.

Today’s vote signals a new era in NDP direction where their MPP’s compromised future Northern prosperity in exchange for short sighted budget deals.

Dalton McGuinty’s NDP supported No Growth Plan for Northern Ontario includes:

• A vote for the inclusion of HST on home heating bills

• A vote for the potential fire sale of Ontario Northland

• A vote for the closure of Northern Tourism Centres and MNR offices

• A vote against the repeal of the job killing Far North Act

• A vote against much needed highway improvements

• A vote for more delay on infrastructure investments into the Ring of Fire and other economic opportunities across the North.

Ontario has all the basics in place to be the economic leader in Canada again…. except real leadership on jobs and our economy.

The Ontario PC caucus stood in unison with leader Tim Hudak to vote no to this no growth budget.

Today the PC caucus voted yes to rebuild the economy of the North and a plan that will create jobs and growth throughout the North.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••