Huron-Bruce MPP has no confidence in Liberal government's budget

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson has voted against the Ontario government's budget, saying she has no confidence, whatsoever, in the Liberals' fiscal policy.
 
"Since taking office in 2003, the Liberals have more than doubled our provincial debt, having added $173.2-billion in 14 years," she said. "With a track record like that, premier Kathleen Wynne and her finance minister cannot reasonably expect the opposition, or the people of Ontario, to support this budget. Even more concerning, they're hiding a $5-billion operating deficit with the one-time sale of assets like Hydro One."
 
The budget, which was tabled April 27, sped through first reading, second reading, only four hours of public consultation, a mere one hour of committee review, and third reading, after less than three weeks of scrutiny by the public and opposition parties, said Thompson. It now goes to the Lieutenant-Governor for Royal Assent.
 
"It's shameful that the Liberals would ram this legislation through without a more open conversation," Thompson said. "On a $141-billion budget, this accelerated timeline is an insult to the public, and the democratic process. We need a government whose members are more concerned about representing the people who elected them, rather than their own interests."