Zap HST off hydro bills: Horwath

Queen’s Park – NDP Leader Andrea Horwath unveiled her plan to make life more affordable for Ontarians, calling for an HST exemption on hydro bills.

“Dalton McGuinty’s HST on everything from keeping the lights on to cooking dinner has made life more expensive for Ontarians,” said Horwath. “People are being jolted every time they open their hydro bills. Taking the 8 per cent HST off hydro bills would make life a little more affordable and give Ontarians a needed break.”

Horwath noted that her plan means families with two or more children would save $135 a year. Over 5.9 million Ontario families would benefit from the plan.

“While McGuinty’s energy policies are driving up hydro bills, pay is stagnant and people are worried about getting by,” said Horwath. “It’s time to put families first and put money back into local economies.”

Horwath says it’s time for the government to make struggling families a priority, and put corporate tax cuts on the back burner.

“If the McGuinty Liberals can spend $2 billion-a-year on corporate tax giveaways, they should be able to make life a little easier for Ontarians,” said Horwath. “We’d put money in people’s pockets before moving ahead with expensive and ineffective corporate tax cuts.”

Thousands of people from across Ontario have contacted New Democrats about hydro bills they just can’t afford to keep paying.

“When a single mom says she has to choose between paying the hydro bill and putting food on the table, something has to change,” said Horwath. “After six years of sweetheart private power deals, sky-rocketing CEO salaries and a billion dollar smart meter boondoggle it won’t be easy, but we can help people today by taking the HST off of hydro bills.”

Horwath urges Ontarians to learn more at www.HSToffHYDRO.com .

Posted on September 27, 2010. Read more about: , , .

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