BEER TAX - ALL SUDS, NO SENSE - RUNCIMAN
TORONTO – The Liberal
government’s latest trial balloon –
an increase in beer tax – was described
in the Ontario legislature today as an assault
on low and middle-income Ontarians.
Conservative House Leader Bob Runciman (Leeds-Grenville)
said an increase in beer tax, “nectar
of the gods for the working poor,” would
further reduce the ability of Ontario’s
low-income workers to enjoy one of the last
luxuries available to them – a cold beer
after work.
“Beer in Ontario is already taxed at
the highest rate in the world,” asserted
Runciman. “The majority of beer drinkers
have modest incomes and this tax hike is another
attack on Joe Average Canadian.”
Runciman also expressed concern about the impact
a tax hike would have on Ontario’s already
fragile hospitality sector. “Thirty percent
of all beer sold is purchased through the hospitality
sector, a sector still recovering from SARS
and 9/11,” said Runciman. “This
tax hike could be a death blow for many businesses.”
Media contact:
Sarah Baker
(416) 325-1522
