Premier Dalton McGuinty is urging Ontarians to tune out “political chatter” about rivals defeating his government over its budget, but appears to be taking no chances.
He appeared at a campaign-style event in a North York home wearing a “Forward Together” jacket from last fall’s vote that reduced his Liberals to a minority government and bought a “wrap” ad in Wednesday morning’s Metro commuter newspaper to defend his budget plan.
“I just don’t think a lot of families are focused on that,” McGuinty said of Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak’s vow to vote against the budget, which seeks a public sector wage freeze and cuts costs in hopes of eliminating the deficit by 2018.
As for the jacket, the premier said, referring to his wife: “It’s the one Terri insisted I wear.”
New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath said she’s not happy the budget hasn’t done more to help families but is reserving judgment until she consults with the public.
The New Democrats on Wednesday morning launched a phone line for budget consultation at 1-855-ONT-BDGT (668-2348) to determine whether Ontarians want them to force an election. Horwath said people can also share their views at www.ondpcaucus.com/yoursay/.
She said it could be “a couple of weeks” before the NDP decides whether it will prop up the Liberals by voting in favour of the budget.
“The government hangs in the balance,” warned Horwath.
McGuinty encouraged the opposition parties to “avoid brinkmanship and be reflective” in the upcoming budget debate, apparently overlooking the fact he made a sabre-rattling speech to a partisan Liberal crowd last week, vowing he’ll fight an election on the budget if necessary.
Standing in the backyard of a North York family whose huge home is on a small ravine, McGuinty noted Conservatives should be pleased with the proposed public sector wage freeze while the NDP got its wish with a freeze to corporate tax cut plans.
“I would be proud to campaign on our budget and our five-year plan,” said McGuinty, adding he remains “very hopeful” it won’t come to that.
All three parties remain millions of dollars in debt from the October vote.
If the government falls over its austerity budget, the earliest election date would come in late May.
Canada News: Ontario budget: Dalton McGuinty urges Ontarians to tune out
He appeared at a campaign-style event in a North York home wearing a “Forward Together” jacket from last fall’s vote that reduced his Liberals to a minority government and bought a “wrap” ad in Wednesday morning’s Metro commuter newspaper to defend his budget plan.
“I just don’t think a lot of families are focused on that,” McGuinty said of Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak’s vow to vote against the budget, which seeks a public sector wage freeze and cuts costs in hopes of eliminating the deficit by 2018.
As for the jacket, the premier said, referring to his wife: “It’s the one Terri insisted I wear.”
New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath said she’s not happy the budget hasn’t done more to help families but is reserving judgment until she consults with the public.
The New Democrats on Wednesday morning launched a phone line for budget consultation at 1-855-ONT-BDGT (668-2348) to determine whether Ontarians want them to force an election. Horwath said people can also share their views at www.ondpcaucus.com/yoursay/.
She said it could be “a couple of weeks” before the NDP decides whether it will prop up the Liberals by voting in favour of the budget.
“The government hangs in the balance,” warned Horwath.
McGuinty encouraged the opposition parties to “avoid brinkmanship and be reflective” in the upcoming budget debate, apparently overlooking the fact he made a sabre-rattling speech to a partisan Liberal crowd last week, vowing he’ll fight an election on the budget if necessary.
Standing in the backyard of a North York family whose huge home is on a small ravine, McGuinty noted Conservatives should be pleased with the proposed public sector wage freeze while the NDP got its wish with a freeze to corporate tax cut plans.
“I would be proud to campaign on our budget and our five-year plan,” said McGuinty, adding he remains “very hopeful” it won’t come to that.
All three parties remain millions of dollars in debt from the October vote.
If the government falls over its austerity budget, the earliest election date would come in late May.
Canada News: Ontario budget: Dalton McGuinty urges Ontarians to tune out
