The McGuinty government should interpret the rising chorus of opposition to the HST as a clear signal to scrap it, instead of bringing in a bill to impose a tax that Ontarians simply don’t want, says NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

“Ontario families have been clear: they don’t want a new tax that will make life more expensive during these tough economic times,” Horwath said.

“From home heating to gas for the car to getting a haircut, the HST will add eight per cent to the cost of basic necessities. It’s a blatant tax grab.”

Horwath said virtually every Ontarian she’s spoken with is concerned the HST will increase costs for families at a time they can least afford it.

During today’s Question Period, Horwath cited the concerns of a number of Ontarians worried the HST will make life more expensive, including:

Anne and Milton Marion, Thunder Bay seniors concerned about the HST’s impact on their home heating bill;

Rich Whitehead from St. Catharines, already forced to cut costs after losing his job and now facing higher-than-ever costs for groceries and utilities;

Monique and Roger Byrne, who – like other rural Ontarians – have no choice but to drive to work and will now pay more for gasoline every time they fill up the tank; and

Brenda Moore, a single mom with two jobs who is already struggling to makes end meet.

“During these tough times, people need help, but all they’re getting from this government is a sharp kick in the pocketbook,” Horwath said. “If Dalton McGuinty was listening to Ontarians like the ones I mentioned, he would do the right thing and scrap this tax.”