For Immediate Release

March 26, 2009

Big Tax Increases and Big Deficits are the Hallmark of the McGuinty Government: Bailey

Queen's Park-The McGuinty Government's 2009 budget will go down in history as the Big Tax Increase and the Big Deficit budget, said Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton.

"Today's budget shows that this Government cannot manage the economy", said Bailey.  "They are not only running up a large deficit but they are also hitting families with a tax increase just when the economy is collapsing.  Families in Sarnia-Lambton will be paying far more in taxes as a result of today's budget."

"Starting next year Dalton McGuinty is raising taxes on heating fuel, gas at the pumps and groceries. You will pay more for your cable, internet and cell phone service.  You will pay more if you need a lawyer to close your house purchase or sale."

Dalton McGuinty has earned a place in history with this budget:

• Ontario's spending will skyrocket past $100 billion just when the province is facing an increasing debt load;
• The province has lost almost 300,000 manufacturing jobs, with another 135,000 expected to be lost this year;
• This government went from a $6 billion surplus last year to a $14 billion deficit;
• Ontario's unemployment rate is the highest it has been in 12 years; and
• As of next week, we are officially a "have-not" province.

"Their plan to harmonize the sales tax and at the same time offer a one time only small amount back to taxpayers reminds me of a big ponzi scheme", said Bailey.  "The guy at the top makes a lot of money while the people at the bottom lose out."

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For more information contact:

Bob Bailey, MPP

(519) 337-0051