David O says we're being misled about the HST

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

***************************** NDP opposes transfer payments to Sault families

McGuinty government providing tax credits and stimulating economic recovery

QUEEN'S PARK - The NDP continues to mislead Sault Ste. Marie residents by distorting the facts on the HST.

The NDP recently tabled a budget amendment to try and stop the federal transfer of $4.3 billion in transition funding and $10.6 billion in permanent and temporary tax relief credits that will help support Ontario’s families and strengthen Ontario’s economy, announced David Orazietti MPP.

“In their attempt to undermine Ontario’s plan to decrease personal income taxes, attract investments and create jobs the NDP is putting the provincial government’s economic recovery plan at risk,” said Orazietti. “They do not seem to understand that while some items will cost more, 83 percent of goods and services purchased in Ontario will see no change whatsoever.”

In addition to trying to block the $4.3 billion in transition payments that Ontario is directly transferring to residents, the NDP is also attempting to undermine significant tax credits created under the Ontario Tax Plan for More Jobs and Growth Act. Specifically, the provincial government initiative to modernize Ontario’s economy will include $10.6 billion in permanent and temporary tax relief, including:

- Lowering tax on the first $37,106 paid saving an estimated $250 a year.

- Increasing the Senior Homeowners Property Tax Grant from $250 to $500 a year.

- Creating a new refundable sales tax credit of up to $260 for low and middle income Ontarians.

- Increasing the Ontario Child Benefit from $50 to $92 per month, per child.

- Providing transition payments of between $300 and $1,000.

The NDP’s opposition to cutting taxes and its aversion to stimulating the economy in Ontario is an ongoing trend.

The NDP voted against both the federal and provincial governments stimulus funding packages that were implemented in 2009 in response to the onset of the global recession.

Infrastructure projects in Sault Ste. Marie that the NDP has voted against include:

- $24 million for Invasive Species Research Centre

- $22 million for a new Algoma Public Health Building

- $16 million for new academic building at Sault College

- $16 million for Biosciences Centre at Algoma University

- $10 million to extend Third Line for greater access to new Sault Area Hospital

- $5 million to expand the Hub Trail and Waterfront Walkway to increase recreational opportunities

- $4.9 million to improve social housing

- $3.3 million to improve local recreation facilities including the YMCA

“We are helping to ensure that our community will emerge from this difficult period with state-of-the-art health care, education, and recreational facilities along with a revitalized private sector,” said Orazietti. “Our government recognizes that there is more work to be done and it has a plan in place to make Ontario stronger and more competitive, unlike the NDP, which has an established record of failing to deliver important projects to our community.”

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