TORONTO: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation today asked Ontario taxpayers to send a clear, concise and concentrated message to Premier Mike Harris telling him that a proposed 42.2% or even a 33% MPP pay hike will not be tolerated.

"This is unconscionable, offensive and a betrayal of the trust that Ontarians have placed in the Premier and his government," stated CTF federal director Walter Robinson. "While there is merit to the argument for an MPP pay raise given their reduced numbers and enlarged constituencies, 42% or even 33% is simply obscene."

"My how five years of power changes things. In 1995, the Tories cut Cabinet Minister's salaries, ended tax-free perks and reformed the MPP pension plan to adhere to the first principle of pay for politicians, simplicity. It was a great start," noted Robinson. "Now it seems as though the Tories will discard the other principles of transparency, accountability and fairness for the sake of a quick buck and some extra Christmas cash."

The CTF is urging taxpayers to flood the Premier's office by phone, fax, email, or letters to clearly convey to Mr. Harris and his colleagues that greedy pay hikes will not be tolerated.

 

"Every phone call, vote and email to the Premier and one's local MPP can make a difference. We need to look no further than Florida and the Presidential recount to see how important each contribution is," added Robinson.

Mr. Robinson has also noted that he has contacted the offices of Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty and NDP leader Howard Hampton to forward the CTF as a potential witness should MPP pay raise legislation be introduced next week and be referred to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly.

"If the public is given the opportunity to comment on MPP pay changes, we plan to be there," noted Robinson. "However, there is no guarantee that a pay hike will be referred to committee. Indeed, the government may just ram the legislation through without any input. This is why it is critical for Ontarians to speak out, now!"