It’s no wonder Waterloo-Wellington Questionnaire results are critical of McGuinty Government, MPP Arnott says

In his statement to the Ontario Legislature on October 12th, 2006, MPP Ted Arnott shared highlights of the results of his recent Waterloo-Wellington Questionnaire. His constituents were highly critical of the Government on top issues such as jobs and the economy, balancing the budget, and crime. The following is the text of his Statement in the House:

Mr. Ted Arnott (Waterloo-Wellington): In Waterloo-Wellington, the McGuinty Liberal Government is best known for its record of broken promises. It’s no wonder this is their hallmark, since Dalton McGuinty campaigned on a promise not to raise taxes, and then brought in the biggest tax increase in the Province’s history in his very first budget. We in Waterloo-Wellington have not forgotten, and in response to my recent questionnaire, which was included in my annual newsletter earlier this spring, my constituents have spoken loud and clear.

I asked them a question on the issue of lost manufacturing jobs in Ontario. In reply, an overwhelming 81 per cent of respondents said the McGuinty Liberal Government is not doing enough to protect factory jobs. They also expressed an astounding 90 per cent support for the resolution that I first tabled in the Legislature some 16 months ago, when I called upon the House to immediately begin a study of the competitiveness of Ontario industry, with a view to protecting these good paying jobs.

I asked them a question about balanced budgets. 80 per cent said that the McGuinty Government should balance its budget this year. In spite of this, last Spring the Treasurer made a conscious, irresponsible decision to plan for yet another deficit this year, again breaking another election promise.

I asked my constituents if they believe the Provincial Government is doing enough to respond to the crime problem. Again 80 per cent of the respondents criticized the Government, saying “no” they are not doing enough.

Overall, my constituents in Waterloo-Wellington have given the Government a failing grade on key issues like jobs and the economy, the Province’s finances, and crime. And the vast majority of my constituents are rightly sceptical of whatever statements the McGuinty Liberals make, because we know they will say anything to try and get themselves elected.

I want to thank everyone in my riding who responded, and ask that the Government start listening.