(Queen’s Park)  Despite continued efforts by the McGuinty Liberals to rush through legislation to formally implement the Harmonized Sales Tax grab, Parry Sound – Muskoka MPP Norm Miller continues to bring local concerns to the Ontario Legislature.

“Everyday I receive emails, petitions and letter mail from seniors, business owners and middle income families who are anxious about the effect the tax will have on their household,” said Norm Miller.

Today, the Ontario PC Caucus walked out of the Ontario Legislature in protest at the McGuinty government’s refusal to hold public consultations on Bill 218; the Bill that implements the HST.

“This government has become trapped in a bubble of special interests and completely cut itself off from the vulnerable Ontario families who will be hurt the most by the HST,” concluded Norm Miller.

Following is a Hansard Transcript of Mr. Miller’s Statement in the Legislature today.

Taxation

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

November 23, 2009

Mr. Norm Miller: I rise today to share the concerns of my constituents in Parry Sound–Muskoka regarding this government’s proposed harmonized sales tax. Here’s a small sampling of the hundreds of e-mails I’ve received.

“Mr. Miller, please do all you can to stop the proposed HST. I am living just outside Parry Sound, self-employed and working hard to save for retirement.

“This HST will drive all of the costs of living up, and in a time of economic difficulty, I am greatly shocked that the Liberals are pulling this stunt.

“Please help stop the proposed HST and the gouging of the Ontario taxpayer.”

That’s from Dave in Parry Sound.

Another letter: “Dear Norm:

“My wife and I live in Barkway, near Gravenhurst. We moved here three years ago to retire.

“We have never had to really complain till now. The McGuinty government has really done it this time. Since we are on a fixed income, how are we supposed to survive?

“Thanks for listening and please fight for us retirees.”

That’s from Bill in Barkway.

Another e-mail: “There must be a better way for the province to deal with its budget deficit. We, as a retired couple, have calculated that our living expenses will go up at least $2,100 a year. This is outrageous.” That is from Hans and Jeanette.

It is clear from the hundreds of e-mails I’m receiving that the public wants to be heard on this new proposed HST, so that’s why I’m asking for public consultations on Bill 218 across the province.

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