Toronto: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation responded today to the McGuinty government's announcement of its "Building a Better Tomorrow" infrastructure renewal plan.

"This plan is bad news for taxpayers," said CTF Ontario director Tasha Kheiriddin. "By limiting the role of the private sector in financing and developing infrastructure projects, especially in the health care sector, the government will burden taxpayers with user fees and tax increases - without necessarily improving the quality of services Ontarians receive."

The plan would commit $100 billion over 30 years to a variety of infrastructure renewal projects, from roads to hospitals, transit and schools. While 20-25% of the investment is scheduled to come from the private sector, the government will not build any more P3 hospitals or allow private innovation in the area of health care.

"We are particularly disappointed that Minister Kaplan today shut the door on P3 hospitals and private innovation in the health care system," said Kheiriddin. "When will this government take off its ideological blinders and allow taxpayers a choice in how they spend their health care dollars When will it acknowledge that state health care monopolies don't work - and that private options are necessary to ensure quality care "

Concluded Kheiriddin, "It's central planning 101. How can this government know what the priorities of Ontarians will be in 30 years How can it tie the hands of future administrations and commit tax dollars to projects which may be well cancelled by future governments - at taxpayers' expense "