
Ontario Liberals win minority government, economic recovery in jeopardy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 7, 2011 (TORONTO) - With yesterday's provincial election in Ontario yielding a minority government for Dalton McGuinty's Liberals, Ontario's economic recovery remains uncertain.
"This is the same government that has added more than $100-billion to our provincial debt, and simply does not have what it takes to rein in spending and balance the budget," says Peter Coleman, President and CEO of the National Citizens Coalition (NCC).
The Liberals won 53 seats, the PC party won 37 seats, and the NDP won 17 seats.
Without a majority, Dalton McGuinty will not be able to silence debate on contentious issues.
"McGuinty will certainly have a more difficult time forcing his agenda on the province with a minority government, but the horse is already out of the barn," adds Coleman. "Ontario's economy is in terrible shape."
It is clear that after eight years of Dalton McGuinty's poor management, Ontario's taxpayers were unwilling to reward him with another majority. It is also clear, however, that Tim Hudak's lacklustre campaign failed to inspire enough voters to unseat the government.
"This government will need to show much more respect for taxpayers and embrace much stricter oversight and accountability measures. Ontario cannot afford four more years of wasteful spending and backroom deals," adds Coleman.
"Dalton McGuinty's failed experiments have nearly bankrupted our province, and he has already committed billions more to his Green Energy initiatives," says Stephen Taylor, Director of the NCC.
Ontario is still struggling to emerge from budget deficits, and the province's credit rating is in danger of being downgraded yet again.
"The National Citizens Coalition will be holding this government accountable every step of the way to ensure that this government shows taxpayers the respect they deserve," says Coleman.
The National Citizens Coalition is Canada's largest organization that stands for smaller government and individual rights.
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