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For Immediate Release Scrap the Eco-tax on electronics: Hardeman QUEEN’S PARK – Today Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP, called for the McGuinty government to scrap the expensive eco-tax on electronics after it was revealed that the electronic stewardship agency has failed to meet their targets. “Ontario families are already to struggling to make ends meet and buy Christmas presents for their kids,” said Hardeman. “They shouldn’t have to pay an expensive recycling fee for a program that isn’t working.” The recently released annual report for the Ontario Electronic Stewardship Agency indicated that the agency collected $44.5 million in eco-taxes but only achieved 2% of their recycling targets. This works out to $2,572.30 per tonne the most expensive cost in Canada, while the recovery rate an average of 1.31 kg per person is the lowest in Canada. The electronic eco-fee can be as much as $26.25 on a new television or $21.65 for a desktop computer and monitor. This fee also applies to items such as cameras, radios, cell phones, speakers, home theatres, personal hand held computers, video cameras, pagers, printers and fax machines. Tim Hudak, Ontario PC leader, committed that if elected a Progressive Conservative government would scrap the eco-tax on electronics. “We believe in coming up with environmental solutions that work, not using green labels as an excuse to hit Ontario families with another hidden tax,” said Hardeman. - 30 - For more information, contact: |
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