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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1973-05-03, Page 13tel THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1973 Democracy reigns supreme. Premier William Davis and Ont- ario Treasurer John White yield- ed to pressure by the Opposition, the public, and even the Tory backbenchers, aid withdrew the legislation proposing a 7 per cent tax on energy. Both Davis and White conceded that the opposition to the tax was so strong that they had little choice but to kill the bill entirely. Over the Easter weekend Dav- is and White conferred by Tele- ohone and Davis sounded out the opinion of his advisers as to whether the tax could be with- drawn without badly embarrass- ing the Government. They met briefly with cabinet on Tuesday morning and informed the min- isters that it would be best to withdraw the tax completely anc not try to get around the critic- ism my modifying it to reduce the impact on certain groups. The cabinet agreed with this decision, and it was greeted with delighted relief by the Conservative backbenchers. When Davis told the Legislat- ure the Government would stand pat on the rest of the budget, including the general raise in the sales tax to 7 per cent from 5 percent on May 1st, which amounts to a 40 per cent in- crease, the opposition benches drowned him out in roars of criticism. Liberal Leader Robert Nixon said White had made a serious error in judgment in proposing the energy tax. He questioned the Treasurers credibility now in his portfolio, which is the heaviest in Government and includes responsibility for mun- icipal and federal relations and general economic policy. Ste- phen Lewis, leader of the New Democratic Party, who claims the Davis Government is indec- isive and wavering, shouted "One reversal after another, one reversal after another." This was a reference to recent Government policy reversals in several areas --the cabinet's decision to overturn an Ontario Municipal Board ruling and halt the Spadina Expressway after 120 million dollars had already been spent --cancellation of its proposed "super block" of govern meat buildings east of Bay Street --decisions to appoint a TREAD LIFE Check the condition of the tires on your family car, says Consumers' Association of Can- ada. To make it easy for the consumer, all tires made since 1968 have tread wear indicators running at right angles across the treads. When the tire wears down to expose the indicator, it has outlived its usefulness and its safe life. If you are tempted to take a chance, remember that 90'o of all tire failures occur during the last tenth of the tire's tread life. CAC headquarters is located at 100 Gloucester, Street, Ottawa. Jottings by Jack from Nee Park Royal Commission into crime, and reveal the sources of party funds, both of which Davis had repeatedly said he would not do. Opposition members said they feel the energy tax reversal was an important victory, but dist- racted attention from the import• ance of the general retail sales tax increase which will generate $280 million provincial revenue in 1973-74. They stress the fact that the Government's tax changes, despite removal of the energy tax, are still inequitable because it is taking $280 million more from individuals and from individuals and families and only $5 million more from corporations. As a matter of interest, Gross Provincial Product is expected to rise by 11 per cent in 1973, personal income is projected to rise 12.6 per cent, and corpor- ate profits should continue to grow strongly, with an anticip- ated gain of 12 per cent this year. Opposition members main• rain that a more progressive system of increasing provincial revenue could have been empl- oyed by the Government, if indeed such an increase was needed in light of the buoyant economy. Such a system would include an additional tax on personal income and corporat- ions as they are certainly best able to afford the extra burden without feeling too much of a `pinch.• Farmers will be happy to see that the 19¢ gasoline tax rebate will be reinstated upon withdraw al of the tax on energy. The Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations announced that his ministry will start a campaign to advise Ontarians of their rights in the market place. A new post of information co-ordinator will be created to ensure that the public knows and understands its rights. Residents of Ontario Nursing Homes will be compelled to pay 500 to $1 a day more for their care starting the lst of May. The new rates were est- ablished earlier this week at a meeting of the Ontario Nursing Horne Association with Govern- ment officials. The rates will go to $13.50 from $12.50 for standard ward care, to $16.75 from $15.50 for semi -private patients, and to $20 from $18.50 for private. The Health Ministry will increase its cont- ribution to $9.50 per day from $9. 00. More help from Government for shoreline damage has been indicated. A $50 million fund allowing municipalities to lend money to property owners along Ontario shorelines affected by high water has been proposed.' The loans would allow home owners to construct retaining walls, dikes, breakwaters and other structures designed for the rehabilitation and protection of property on water where shores have been damaged or eroded by the elements. James Snow, ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS Minister of Government Service: said it will also include repairs to any building or other struct- ure damaged by high water lev- els, ice or erosion of the shore. Ontario is going to step up the protection its citizens have against snoopers who gather in - formation for personal or credit purposes. The bill introduced by Hon. John Clements will require all investigators for consumer reporting agencies to be registered by the Governmern It will make agencies send out corrections to their customers PAGE 13 if the contents of a file are shown to be correct. The public will have the right to sue for damages if they have been harm- ed by the contents. Clement said the introduction of this bill would lead to higher standards of conduct in this area. Special 5900 Compare our price! Power -packed 3 h p,. 4 cycle engine, easy :recoil -:start 20 Garden Master Efficient Turbo Swirl steel deck, 7" heavy-duty plastic wheels maximumMaximum p Y p savings! 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