Dalton McGuinty’s scheme to impose the HST could tumble like a house of cards if federal MPs continue their scramble to distance themselves from the widely-opposed tax, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said today.

“Federal politicians are finally tuning in to the public outrage over the HST and they’re running for the hills,” Horwath said. “Conservative MPs don’t want to do anything that will upset their minority government, and Michael Ignatieff has more fires to put out than Smokey the Bear.”

Increasing worry among federal MPs about a political fallout over the tax has increased the likelihood the minority Parliament in Ottawa could reject the HST. Legislation passed in the federal Parliament is a necessary prerequisite for the provinces to implement the new tax.

Horwath noted the fact that federal politicians are in no rush to impose a new tax should send a clear message to Dalton McGuinty that he has plenty of time to give Ontarians a say over the HST and call public hearings.

“Federal members of Parliament are running away from this tax,” Horwath said. “Dalton McGuinty should do the same.”