NDP Leader Howard Hampton says Dalton McGuinty continues to place business tax giveaways ahead of protecting Ontario’s manufacturing jobs.

“Dalton McGuinty has dithered during Ontario’s manufacturing maelstrom and continuing his policy of hand-outs for big banks and insurance companies doesn’t cut it,” said Hampton.

Hampton also offered comment on the government’s vague job training proposal.

“This is a Johnny-come-lately plan from a Premier who has zero credibility when it comes to protecting and creating manufacturing jobs and retraining workers. Where was McGuinty a year ago before tens of thousands more jobs were lost?” asked Hampton.

Under the McGuinty Liberals, Ontario has lost more than 15 per cent of its high-paying manufacturing jobs – taking $6.6-billion in wages out of Ontario’s economy.

Earlier this month, the NDP Leader introduced a bold jobs stimulus plan to prevent the further loss of manufacturing jobs and create better conditions for Ontario’s struggling manufacturing sector. The plan calls for:

· The immediate investment of available Federal funds in hard hit communities;
· The return of a “Buy Ontario” program that the McGuinty government shelved;
· The creation of an Ontario Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit that would apply to all manufacturers and processors and provide an added incentive for development of green technology and innovation.

“Dalton McGuinty is bailing out businesses and while hanging workers out to dry. Business tax cuts isn’t a plan, it’s a sham,” said Hampton.