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| For immediate release
Hardeman calls for repeal of Eco-Fee Tax Grab
“Clearly adding the so-called eco fees to hundreds of products is just another tax grab,” said Hardeman. “If this was really about the environment they wouldn’t have put this cost on rechargeable batteries which can be reused to reduce hazardous waste.” Hardeman made the comments following an announcement by Tim Hudak, Ontario PC Leader, that if elected a PC government would repeal the new eco fees. “Today, I am calling on Dalton McGuinty to scrap his eco tax grab before another Ontario parent pays it on bath toys or sunblock for their kids and before another Ontario senior pays it on laundry detergent or batteries for their TV remote,” said Hudak. “And if McGuinty Liberals won’t scrap this tax, than a PC Government will.” As of July 1st an eco-fee has been added to the cost of hundreds of consumer products including hand soap, dish detergent, insect repellent, fire extinguishers, prescription drugs, whipped cream in aerosol containers, towel bowl cleaners, hand sanitizer, furnace filters, cough medication, vitamins, dry wall putty, mouse traps and many other items. The funds are collected and levied by Stewardship Ontario, an organization which was created and is regulated by the provincial government but has very little transparency or accountability on how the funds are spent. “Many Ontario families were already to struggling to make ends meet, but on July 1st Dalton McGuinty still hit them with two tax increases – HST and new eco-fees – which increase the cost of hundreds of items that they use every day,” said Hardeman. - 30 -
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