Dalton McGuinty has indeed lied to Ontarians many times over. Hence, I totally agree with your words ... "Sometimes it Just Needs to be Said"
However, I am left to wonder why Mr. Murdoch has never before called Dalton McGuinty a liar especially concerning Locked-In Retirement Accounts.
On December 15, 1999, according to the Hansard, Dalton McGuinty told Ontarians ... "I want to make it perfectly clear in this House today that I and my party will have none of it." This statement is another lie by Mr. McGuinty.
Mr. McGuinty's statement was in reference to a last minute amendment (3rd reading) inserted into Bill 27 (An Act To Amend The Pension Benefits Act And The MPPs' Pension Act) by the former Conservative government allowing 61 special MPPs (all party affiliations) to have 100% unfettered discretionary access to their own Locked-In Retirement Accounts, such accounts having been established following the dissolution of the former MPPs' defined benefit pension plan.
When retired from the Legislature, anytime after age 55, both Mr. Murdoch and Mr. McGuinty, as members of this elite group of '61', are allowed 100% unfettered discretionary access to their own Locked-In Retirement Accounts. For all other Ontarians who also own such accounts, this same privlege is denied until age 90. Prior to age 90 the Financial Services Commission of Ontario determines the amount that may be withdrawn annually.
Bill 27 received royal assent on December 22, 1999. Bill Murdoch voted FOR Bill 27 (3rd reading) on December 20, 1999. Mr. McGuinty and his party voted AGAINST Bill 27.
Not only that, Mr. McGuinty's Liberal party even went so far as to call Bill 27 ....... totally unusual, totally outrageous, totally beyond belief, inequitable, unjust, hypocritical, repugnant, wrong, immoral, a special deal, privileged treatment, ugly, a double standard, special treatment. I refer to words spoken by Liberal MPPs Michael Brown, Michael Bryant, Sean Conway, John Gerretsen, Mario Sergio, Dalton McGuinty and Dwight Duncan, December 9 to 16, 1999, according to the Hansard.
Sadly today however, contrary to Mr. McGuinty's words from December 15, 1999, 20 Liberal MPPs including Mr. McGuinty himself still hang on to the unlocking privileges of their own Locked-In Retirement Accounts, courtesy of Bill 27.
Why has Mr. Murdoch never slammed desks over this lie? Why has he never called Mr. McGuinty a liar over this issue?
Put another way by Lorrie Goldstein, Associate Editor of the Toronto Sun, .... "So why, thousands of seniors ask, can't they get the same access to their retirement funds as McGuinty and company? Good question."
Mr. Murdoch, in light of your good fortune from Bill 27, can you answer Mr. Goldstein's question?
Regards,
Kenneth Elliott, Campbellville Ontario
