McGuinty Incompetently Rushing OMERS Bill

John Tory Leader of the Ontario PC Party

February 13, 2006

Progressive Conservative Party leader John Tory reiterated his call for Dalton McGuinty to reconsider his bizarre rush to pass the OMERS bill despite overwhelming opposition from municipalities and employees. The McGuinty Liberals' inability to show the true costs of the legislation and its effect on taxes has led to Tory's calls for McGuinty to take the time to conduct an independent review of this legislation before it moves forward.

"The McGuinty Liberals can't even tell us the financial impact of their own legislation on taxpayers," Tory said. "They have no estimates on how much extra it will cost municipal taxpayers - with some estimates saying property taxes could rise three per cent if this legislation passes. The air must be cleared on these issues."

Tory said Liberal incompetence and arrogance have brought this situation to the brink of a damaging illegal strike. "An illegal strike is just plain wrong, but so is legislation the Liberals haven't thought through to the point where it is causing chaos. Two wrongs don't make a right," Tory said.

Tory has previously called for the bill to be referred for further study citing widespread opposition from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), CUPE, as well as the seemingly chaotic number of amendments the Liberals have put forward on their own Bill, and lack of consultation. Tory has called for an independent chair to review the legislation along with municipal, union and other sponsors.

"Dalton McGuinty is forcing a crisis on the people of Ontario because of legislation that has been poorly drafted, had no advance consultation and created opposition from all corners," said Tory. "This crisis was created by a perfect storm of Liberal incompetence."