Petition: Say no to new gas taxes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 23, 2015

SIMCOE – In the wake of news regarding a new carbon tax, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has launched a petition calling on the government to ditch its idea of a new carbon tax or any other kind of gas tax.

“Any new carbon tax will translate into higher prices at the pumps,” Barrett said. “But lower gasoline prices are one of the few breaks available to Ontario’s middle class.”

He recalled a little over a year ago, a panel examining ways to pay for Toronto transit expansion recommended hiking gas taxes of as much as 10 cents per litre. Premier Wynne eventually said there would not be a gas tax hike as the panel recommended.

“Now, a year later, we have suggestions for a new gas tax sold as a carbon tax,” Barrett said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if it is to pay for subways in Toronto, yet this is what the Premier told us wouldn’t happen just a year ago. She is following in the footsteps of Premier McGuinty who brought in the largest tax increase in Ontario’s history after saying he wouldn’t raise taxes.”

The Haldimand-Norfolk MPP is concerned a carbon tax will increase the cost of everyday goods, including gasoline and home heating, and in the wake of the proposed Ontario Pension Plan, will create an environment new business will still clear of.

“The carbon tax, combined with the payroll tax, is a double whammy that will discourage jobs,” Barrett said. “Add in the highest cost of electricity in North America, and it raises the question of why would new business locate in Ontario?”

Copies of the petition are available on Barrett’s web site and in his constituency office.

-30-

For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446