Radio spots target Ontario Liberal MPs

Kitchener - The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) Ontario director, John Williamson, launched a radio campaign today calling on Ontario MPs to "Put the Brakes on Kyoto."

With only days left for debate in the House of Commons, Mr. Williamson announced the campaign to raise awareness about the high cost of implementing Kyoto and to urge backbench MPs to reject the Prime Minister's hasty decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. A study released by the CTF, available online at: www.taxpayer.com, says Kyoto will cost the average family $225 per month in higher taxes and energy prices.

"The goal of the ad campaign is to make Ontarians aware of Kyoto's negative impact; the loss of jobs; the high costs to consumers; and the harmful impact the agreement will have on businesses. It will be especially painful in Ontario where energy costs have already skyrocketed," Williamson said today in front of an automotive plant in Kitchener. "If Kyoto passes, this is the type of Ontario industry, and the jobs it provides, that will be hurt."

The radio ads will be broadcast in Brantford, Collingwood, Kitchener, London, Oshawa, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Catharines, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timmins.

These are areas represented by MPs who are or have been identified as Paul Martin supporters. "We hope these lawmakers will do what is best for their constituents since it is clear that Jean Chrétien is not interested in the impact this Protocol will have on Ontario households," Williamson said.

The CTF has called for a national referendum on Kyoto so Canadians can have a voice in determining whether it should or should not be accepted. The radio advertisements will begin airing over the weekend and continue until the end of next week. Should the opposition parties succeed in delaying the Commons vote, the CTF ads will continue.