McGuinty policies drawing Ontario closer to 'have-not' status, York - Simcoe MPP Julia Munro charges

York - Simcoe MPP Julia Munro last week slammed the Liberals government of Premier Dalton McGuinty, saying their failure to implement long-range planning has delivered a severe blow to Ontario's already ailing economy.

"It is completely shocking that under the watch of the McGuinty Liberals, Ontario is at risk of becoming a have-not province," Munro remarked. "This Liberal government has refused to recognize that we are under increasing economic threat and that it is time they finally start to take action. Wouldn't a responsible government draw up a plan to deal with our economic problems?"

Munro raised the issue as part of a debate on a motion proposed by the Progressive Conservative Caucus in the Legislature. The motion says that the McGuinty Liberal government's failure to develop and implement any long-term plan has hurt Ontario's economy and has led the province to the brink of 'have-not' status. It says that as a result, the government's ability to support services such as health and long-term care, the environment, infrastructure renewal, education, transportation, tourism development, energy supply, safe communities and agriculture have all been put in jeopardy.

Munro pointed to economic indicators that demonstrate Ontario's slumping economic standing, including the fact that among the rest of the provinces, Ontario finished last in economic growth last year, has the slowest growth in private sector job creation, but leads the pack with the highest tax rate on new business investment.

"Ontario is on the wrong track under Dalton McGuinty," said Munro. "We cannot afford to wait around. When will the McGuinty Liberals take action before more jobs are lost, more businesses close and Ontario becomes a have-not province?