FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 19, 2014
QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is suggesting Ontario residents strap themselves in order to prepare for the next round of rocketing taxes.
Released Monday, the Fall Economic Statement shows revenues are down by over $500 million this year alone. This is set against a background with growth stagnating and then remaining at 2.4 per cent for the upcoming three years while government spending will be the same. A line in the statement states if revenue falls further “the government will consider other tools”.
“The phrase ‘other tools’ sounds like Liberal-speak for raising taxes,” Barrett warned. “There is no way the budget can be balanced by 2017-18 – as the government promised – without raising taxes or cutting program spending.”
The one positive Barrett saw in the statement was the government talking about contraband tobacco, although past efforts have been an admitted failure.
“A part of the solution for contraband tobacco is taxation policy and eliminating illegal smoke shacks,” Barrett said. “My worry is they will attack tobacco farmers, like they do corner stores.”
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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446