PC CAUCUS PROTESTS CANCELLATION OF QUESTION PERIOD

• The Ontario PC Caucus is continuing its legislative protest over the McGuinty Government’s refusal to hold public hearings into their record-breaking $3 billion HST tax grab.

• In an extraordinary move, the Speaker of the House has chosen to cancel Question Period in response.

• The Ontario PC Caucus will not be intimidated into backing down from their fight for public hearings into Dalton McGuinty’s record-breaking HST tax grab.

NEWS

The McGuinty Government continues to refuse to hold public hearings into their record-breaking HST tax grab. In addition, the McGuinty Government has disrespected Ontario’s Legislature by ramming through a draconian, secretive and undemocratic Time Allocation Motion that further cripples the ability of legislators and members of the public to have their say.

The Ontario PC Caucus has attempted to find common ground with the government to resolve the current impasse. The Ontario PC Caucus has made a single straightforward demand: That at least one day of public hearings on the HST take place outside of Toronto.

As of yet, there is no agreement between the parties, to resolve the Government’s refusal to hold public hearings into the HST. As a result the Ontario PC Caucus’ protest against the McGuinty Government’s undemocratic actions continues. This includes Bill Murdoch’s and Randy Hiller’s continued legislative sit in. The Ontario PC Caucus continues to stand united behind Mr. Murdoch and Mr. Hillier.

In an extraordinary move, the Speaker of the House has responded to this protest by cancelling Question Period. The Ontario PC Caucus is gravely concerned by this development. The cancellation of Question Period is an affront to the rights of the minority, an affront to the rights of all members and, ultimately – an affront to the right of all Ontarians to have their government held publicly accountable.

QUOTES

“The McGuinty Liberals are essentially being rewarded for their attempt to avoid public accountability outside of the Legislature by being permitted to avoid accountability inside of the Legislature.

- Ontario PC House leader Bob Runciman

“Our demand is straightforward: we want more time for public hearings into the HST – including time for public hearings outside of Queen’s Park in order that actual families, small business and seniors have a voice. There will be no deal unless the Liberals agree to a public hearing outside of Toronto.”

- Ontario PC House Leader Bob Runciman