For immediate release:
February 15, 2012
Opposition, and – now – Drummond, calls to curb uncontrolled spending
require immediate action: Barrett
Simcoe – After an eight-year spending binge, the Ontario Liberal Government report authored by Don Drummond provides sobering realities and direction to reform, according to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett.
The Ontario Liberal Government report contains 562 pages and 362 recommendations aimed at fixing what McGuinty has broken over the past two government terms.
“The damage done by eight years under a government addicted to wasteful spending will require significant reform to begin the step to recovery – a $16-billion deficit, and 560,000 out of work is not something cured by a quick fix,” Barrett intoned. “That’s why it’s essential that government take a hard look at the case for austerity contained in Drummond’s recommendations.”
Barrett pointed out that while Mr. McGuinty has seen revenue rise to an all-time high, increasing by $35 billion, he has outpaced that rate by jacking spending up another $45 billion. He adds the unprecedented spending spree, now and in the future, will grow Ontario’s debt to $411 billion by 2017 – the year. McGuinty said he would balance the books. The deficit in 2017 alone will be $30 billion according to Drummond.
“Judging from past behavior, I have my doubts as to Mr. McGuinty’s ability to implement the recommendations of his report,” said Barrett. “For example, we already see the Ontario Liberals walking away from recommendations in their own report – scrapping the tuition rebate and scrapping full-day kindergarten.
“That said, I am concerned that in typical McGuinty fashion, this government may cherry-pick those measures that would more directly impact those in rural Ontario while protecting their urban supporter – school-bus user fees being one example.”
Barrett went on to join Opposition Leader Tim Hudak in calling on government to impose an immediate public sector wage freeze, put an end to corporate welfare, and implement pro-growth policies such as apprenticeship reform.
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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629
For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629