MPP Ted Arnott is joined by colleagues Toby Barrett, MPP for Haldimand Norfolk-Brant and Tim Hudak, MPP for Eire-Lincoln, at pre-budget hearings held at Queen's Park before the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Mr. Arnott also participated in public consultation meetings held in Ottawa and Barrie. During the 2003 Provincial Election campaign, Dalton McGuinty promised not to raise taxes. In his first budget he introduced a brand new tax on income, which he claimed would go towards health care. It was the largest tax increase in Ontario's history.