OUELLETTE TO ASSIST DOMESTIC AUTOMAKERS

PROPOSED BILL REMOVES FUEL TAX FROM NEW VEHICLE PURCHASE

QUEEN’S PARK – Oshawa MPP Jerry Ouellette today in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario introduced a Bill that will help to support the sale of North American automobiles in Ontario.

The Retail Sales Tax Amendment Act, 2006, if passed, will remove the tax for fuel conservation payable on the purchase of new passenger or sport utility vehicles manufactured in North America.

“Ontario is one of the only jurisdictions which apply this additional sales tax on the purchase of North American vehicles, “says Mr. Ouellette. “There is an industry-wide agreement this tax is a deterrent to new vehicles sales in the province of Ontario.”

The controversial tax for fuel conservation was implemented by the former NDP provincial government in 1992.

“From an economic and environmental perspective, this tax has been ineffective and needs to be repealed,” adds Mr. Ouellette. “Automotive plants in Ontario have been recognized for producing some of the best quality vehicles in the world and it is important that we give them all the support they deserve”.

-30-