Toronto: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today responded to Premier McGuinty's 'Next Generation Jobs Fund' offering $650 million to Ontario's automotive industry to produce 'greener' cars. CTF Ontario Director Kevin Gaudet said, "With an election on the horizon money is being shoveled out the door to buy crucial votes from auto workers. However, the money will go to line the pockets of already well-paid executives like those at Magna. If he wants to shovel money out the door to buy votes why doesn't he do it by rolling back the health tax for everyone", said CTF Ontario Director Kevin Gaudet.

The Ontario government already had a $500 million bailout of the automotive industry in the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy that it set up in 2004. The government touts the benefits of that program to amount to $7 billion in investment. "If the government really believes it got $7 Billion return on its $500 million investment, then why would the industry need even more taxpayer dollars " asked Mr. Gaudet. "This is the problem with corporate welfare, once companies get a taste they keep coming back for more."

Last year the McGuinty government handed over tens of millions to subsidize the five-litre, V8, gas guzzler Camaro. Now they're offering subsidies to discourage production of the same car. Which is it " concluded Gaudet.


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For more information please contact:
Kevin Gaudet at 416-203-0030 office or mobile 416-725-0501