McGuinty Government’s HST Is a Hardship for Ontario Seniors

June 22, 2010 

BOWMANVILLE – The month of June (Seniors Month) is cause for celebration among Ontario’s seniors, but the month of July brings cause for concern.

“Dalton McGuinty’s Harmonized Sales Tax is scheduled to begin on July 1,” said Durham MPP John O’Toole.  “Unfortunately, Ontario’s seniors will be among the citizens who are hardest hit by the new tax.”

Mr. O’Toole explained that this is because seniors on modest pensions and fixed incomes just can’t afford to pay eight per cent more for essentials such as electricity, home heating and gasoline. In addition, the HST adds eight per cent to many other Ontario goods and services ranging from home repairs to haircuts.

A recent CARP study confirmed that over 72% of seniors oppose Ontario and BC harmonizing their sales taxes with the GST, while 58.2% believe that the HST will not be good for the Canadian economy.
“The HST is a tax on seniors, their financial security and peace of mind,” Mr. O’Toole said.” The Durham MPP added that seniors are not receiving increased services as a result of the higher taxes. In fact, Ontarians are facing longer wait times for long-term care, many hospitals are being forced to reduce staff, and communities are facing cutbacks to frontline health care provided by local pharmacies.

“Don’t be fooled by the cheque you receive in the mail,” Mr. O’Toole said. “In Dalton McGuinty’s Ontario, taxpayers pay more and get less.”

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For further information please contact:

John O’Toole, MPP – Durham (905) 697-1501 / 1-800-661-2433