The McGuinty government must open its books and reveal how much new revenue it expects to generate from the pockets of consumers under the widely-opposed HST, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath demanded today.

“If the government can tell us what it costs to exempt coffee and doughnuts, then it should also know how much they expect to collect in new taxes on home heating and gas for the car,” Horwath said.

“The McGuinty Liberals have calculated exactly how much they expect to take from the pockets of Ontario families under their HST scheme, but they don’t have the courage to open their books.”

The finance minister has refused to reveal the amount government would collect from new sales tax on gasoline and home heating. While the government has confirmed it has this information, the NDP’s request for it through a freedom of information request was denied.

Horwath today again called on the government to hold public hearings on the HST in communities across Ontario.

Citing a growing list of letters and emails from worried Ontarians – many of them senior citizens already struggling to make ends meet – Horwath demanded the government set aside its arrogance and start listening to Ontario families worried about higher costs under a new tax.

“Today, New Democrats shared the stories of five Ontario seniors who wonder how they’ll pay their bills if the McGuinty government barrels ahead with a tax no one wants,” Horwath said.

“These people deserve to be heard. When will this government start listening?”