NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will welcome First Nations leaders, small business owners and everyday families to Queen’s Park today as concerned Ontarians from across the province rally to voice their opposition to the McGuinty government’s plan to impose a harmonized sales tax.

“The people of this province have been crystal clear in opposing this tax, but the premier refuses to listen,” Horwath said. “I urge him to muster the courage to finally start listening to what people are really saying about this widely-opposed tax.”

Horwath noted the NDP has received thousands of emails in recent days from Ontarians concerned about the additional strain a new tax will put on their family’s budget.

The NDP Leader said the tax is about much more than politics – families are genuinely worried about making ends meet when their home heating bill, gasoline, vet bills, haircuts, restaurant meals and trips to the local skating rink and pool all go up in price.

“The premier needs to listen,” Horwath said. “He needs to stop hiding behind his commissioned study from a right-wing economist and start listening to the citizens of this province.

“The mandate from Ontarians is clear: the people of Ontario don’t want the HST.”