The McGuinty Government Will Be Digging Deeper Into Your Wallet on July 1st

ONTARIO, June 29 /CNW/ - Here's what may be in store for you on Canada Day...

You've got a big day planned for your family. You wake the kids and begin cooking breakfast - suddenly remembering that you're now paying about another $1 a day in taxes on your electrical use. It's hot and muggy outside, and the air conditioning, that will cost you another dollar a day during the summer.

You reach for your daily vitamins - the average family will now pay about a dollar a day in additional taxes for these products.

There is a letter on your table - your condo fees are going up because of the HST. A monthly increase of $75-150 will be quite common, which means you will be paying at least $3-5 more per day. That new home you were thinking about for your family is now out of the question.

Everyone's loaded into the car, and you notice you need gas. At the station, the prices seem to have escalated overnight, and you find yourself paying about $5 more to fill up.

At the amusement park, you get another surprise. Because of the HST your family will pay $15-30 more on admission and merchandise. You grumble to yourself and fork over the additional amount.

When your car overheats on the ride home, you have to pay the tow truck driver an extra $10 just to cover the HST. You are thankful you did not need a major repair - the new tax bill could have quickly become unmanageable.

You add up the day's expenses and find that you paid close to $50 in extra taxes on Canada Day - thanks to the HST. And when stores, services and businesses open again tomorrow, expect to pay even more.

"Everyday necessities like heating your home and driving your car are now going to be taxed, and this is going to be especially hard on those with fixed incomes," says Peter Coleman, President and CEO of the National Citizens Coalition.

The Ontario government says this is good for business. But it is bad news for the rest of us. "Dalton McGuinty claims we will all benefit as businesses pass along the savings they derive from the HST. Don't hold your breath," Coleman adds.

The National Citizens Coalition. More freedom through less government.

For further information: visit www.nationalcitizens.ca or contact Peter Coleman, President and CEO, National Citizens Coalition, office: 416-869-3838, cell: 416-388-5633; Robert Stephens, office: 416-777-0368, mobile: [phone]