CTF Challenges Mayor to Show Up at 'New Tax' Forums


Toronto: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is challenging Toronto Mayor Miller to show up at the public forums he set up to 'consult' Torontonians on the ten new taxes he is trying to impose. Responding to the mayor's attacks on the CTF, Ontario Director Kevin Gaudet said, "instead of name calling, perhaps the mayor could just show up at the public meetings. He would learn that the CTF is not alone in its criticisms."

The City of Toronto is undergoing four public consultations on their 'New Revenue Tools'. The mayor failed to attend the first meeting. It is reported that he plans to skip the next three as well. Kevin Gaudet attended the first meeting and objected to the format of the event which did not allow for a period of questions. As well, the only questions on the table were, 'Which new taxes do you want' and 'How should the city spend its new revenue from the new taxes'. Gaudet said, "Instead, the Mayor should be asking the questions 'Do you want new taxes, yes or no ' and 'How can the city spend less '"

Mayor Miller is reported to have criticized Gaudet and the CTF, accusing them of not wanting to talk. Gaudet said, "the mayor has no mandate to ram through these ten new taxes. I am sorry he didn't want to hear from the citizens of Toronto; that he didn't want to hear from the high-school girl who complained that these taxes will affect those who can afford them the least. It is abysmal that instead of defending this massive tax grab the mayor chooses to attack those who disagree with him."

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