NDP Leader Howard Hampton said Dalton McGuinty is so devoid of solutions to Ontario’s economic downturn that he is now cribbing from George W. Bush’s playbook.

“It’s insulting that Dalton McGuinty’s recommendation during tough economic times is retail therapy. Ontarians who are struggling to pay their bills are being told to go shopping. McGuinty’s advice is just as crass and bizarre as George W. Bush telling Americans after the 9/11 attacks to ‘Get out there and shop. It’s the American way’ (Wall Street Journal, October 7, 2008),” said Hampton.

Hampton was responding to comments made earlier today by McGuinty. The Premier said Ontario residents should go out and do their Christmas shopping if they don't want the province's ailing economy to get any worse (Canadian Press November 27, 2008).

“After five years in office, Dalton McGuinty is telling Ontarians to shop ‘til they drop', while Stephen Harper is offering them no money down with an economic statement devoid of any economic stimulus. It’s a great 'don’t pay a cent' event for the governments, but it’s not so great for hardworking Ontarians who will be poorer for it,” said Hampton.