By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Monday June 18, 2012
McGuinty demands Horwath end budget impasse
Premier Dalton McGuinty has told NDP Leader Andrea Horwath the minority Liberals’ budget “must remain intact” and is urging her to help him avert a snap July 19 election.
In a letter Sunday to Horwath, McGuinty noted most Ontarians believe she had agreed to support the budget after an April 23 deal that saw a new NDP-designed tax rate for people earning more than $500,000, among other amendments.
“But to my surprise and disappointment, your party began to dismantle the very budget bill you personally agreed to see pass,” the premier wrote.
“Several key provisions were defeated on Thursday and your party has given notice that many more are at risk tomorrow and Tuesday,” he said.
“The budget bill must remain intact not only to fulfill our agreements, but more importantly, to provide the tools required to eliminate the deficit, grow the economy and create jobs,” said McGuinty.
“The good news is we have an opportunity to get the budget bill back on track. You need only ensure your caucus lives up to the agreements you have already made.”
Horwath was not immediately available to respond.
Mindful of criticism from within his own Liberal ranks that he was careless in the spring talks with the NDP — never writing anything down or getting any deal signed — McGuinty signalled this next round will be different. (Source: Toronto Star)