Premier McGuinty: Provincial election being ‘forced’ in Ontario

Statement issued by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty:

“For months, Ontario’s MPPs have had before them a budget that will keep our economy on track. And keep our deficit going down.

The government, throughout these months, has made real efforts to be fair and reasonable.

The budget includes ideas proposed by both the PCs and the NDP. It is a plan that will ensure that our province keeps moving forward. But after being fair and reasonable, it is time to be firm.

Earlier today, the NDP turned their backs — yet again — on an agreement to pass our budget.

They joined forces with the PCs to gut the government’s budget bill.

The consequences of the NDP’s latest backtrack would hurt our economy when what it needs most is stability and certainty. Andrea Horwath and her party have, for the second time, broken their word about passing this budget.

This is about Ontario’s economic livelihood and our ability to continue steering the province in the right direction in these challenging times.

It’s absolutely imperative that we pass this budget. And if we cannot pass this budget, we will take it to the people in a general election.

If Tim Hudak and his caucus want to support the budget, we’d welcome their support to avoid an election Ontarians don’t want.

If any member of either opposition party wants to put the provincial interest ahead of their party’s own interest, we’d be happy to work with them.

Otherwise, Andrea Horwath breaking her word a second time at this late stage has left us with absolutely no choice — we will be forced to take this to the people.”