The political din created by a stubborn Liberal government and a Tory opposition insistent on childish games has crowded out the voices of everyday Ontarians who deserve to have a say on the HST, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said today.

“We’ve heard more than enough from politicians on this issue,” Horwath said. “It’s time to stop the political games and allow Ontario families to finally have a say on this tax.”

The Liberals should show they have the courage to hear from Ontarians on the HST by announcing a clear plan for public hearings, and the Tories can show they’re serious about opposing the tax by picking up the phone and calling their federal cousins in Ottawa.

“There is a way out of this,” said Horwath. “It’s called listening to the people, and I call on the Ontario Liberals and Conservatives to end their petty showmanship and let Ontarians be heard.”

The NDP Leader said the reason the governing Liberals haven’t called public hearings is obvious: they’re afraid of what they’ll hear.

“The government knows you can’t walk down the street and find a single person who will support this tax,” said Horwath. “But the hard truth is still no reason not to listen. Announce hearings and let people have a say.”

Last week, Horwath offered to support extending the current sitting of the Legislative Assembly until Dec. 22 to allow for province-wide HST hearings. The McGuinty government has yet to respond to the offer.