Dalton McGuinty revealed his government’s true intentions today when he flatly rejected the NDP’s ‘Buy Ontario’ plan.

“Dalton McGuinty’s shell game continues. He professes concern for manufacturing workers and their families, but refuses to support our ‘Buy Ontario’ plan that would protect well-paying jobs in communities across the province. This is a slap in the face to the 200,000 Ontario manufacturing workers who have seen their jobs vanish,” said NDP Leader Howard Hampton.

Today in Question Period, Hampton hammered away at McGuinty, repeatedly asking him to allow passage of the NDP’s ‘Buy Ontario’ bill that has garnered strong province-wide support.

The Premier finally responded, “We will not be supporting the NDP bill. I think, carried out to a logical conclusion, it will compromise our economy and result in lost jobs,” (Hansard, Tuesday March 18th, 2008)

The NDP’s ‘Buy Ontario’ plan would require that municipalities and regional transit authorities give a preference to mass transit vehicles whose final assembly is done in Ontario and where at least 50 per cent of the total dollar value of the contract to purchase the vehicles is attributable to parts or labour originating in Canada.

Labour groups, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and many others have expressed their support for a ‘Buy Ontario’ policy.

“Unlike Dalton McGuinty, New Democrats believe in standing up for workers. Despite McGuinty’s meek protestations, we will continue to lead the fight for good-paying manufacturing jobs in Ontario,” said Hampton.